Notes:
Letha 'June' Uella Nichols Branum
Feb. 22, 1922 - Sept. 24, 2008
"A shining example of strength, tenacity and generosity"
Letha 'June' Uella Nichols Branum left this world to join her Heavenly Father on Wed-nesday, Sept. 24, 2008, at 2:10 p.m.
Letha was born to parents Ocie Elsie Mumma' and Rueben Clayton Nichols on Feb. 22, 1922, on the family homestead in Beaver County, Okla.
In addition to her beloved parents, Letha was welcomed and ushered into heaven's comforting embrace by her husband, John Branum; granddaughter, Susan Rue Leigh Metcalf; stepsons, John Branum Jr., and Robert Bobby' Branum; and her brothers and sisters, Helen Turner, Emmett Pete' Nichols, Gladys Brookes, Lillian Neilson and William R. Nichols. There also are many beloved nieces; nephews, grandchildren and friends whom we are certain greeted her as she entered into her eternal dwelling place.
Letha is survived by her sister, Ruth A. Nichols; daughter Deanna Dee' Metcalf, and husband, Sonny Metcalf; by her grandchild, David A.
Metcalf and wife, Julie A. Metcalf; grandchild, Rona M. Davis and husband, Joshua Davis, and their three children, TeaLisa, Kyla, and Jaidon Davis. Letha also was blessed with and survived by her stepchildren and their families; Sandra Homer, Patricia Owens, Laurence Buster' Branum and Loretta Branum.
Letha never knew an idle day or a stranger. She had a pioneering spirit that was truly an inspiration to behold and she certainly was a woman ahead of her time.
Letha could proudly drive a semi-truck as good as any man' and was a single working mother long before such a thing was commonplace in society. For a time, she farmed in Dove Creek, Colo., where she diligently harvested pinto beans and for a number of years worked for a produce company in Las Vegas, Nev., which went on to become a worldwide distributor of produce.
In addition to her resounding accomplishments in being a devoted wife, a caring mother, doting grandmother and a fierce friend, she never failed to reach out to the needy and succeeded in making a difference in the lives of everyone she met.
During the Great Depression, subsequent recessions and "just plain ole hard times," whenever she heard of or saw a family in need she shared her provisions and her time, whether great or small, often neglecting her own needs to benefit another.
Once, she was asked about her benevolence. She straightforwardly replied, "Well, I tried."
Letha not only tried, she succeeded; and she succeeded in doing as so many of us long to do in our lifetimes, but never fully accomplish. Letha left her mark upon this world, and she will be remembered. We will dearly miss her vivacious spirit, her timeless beauty and her indomitable strength.
Letha's family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, generous prayers and overwhelming generosity during Letha's long and arduous battle with C.O.P.D. and later lung cancer.
We send a very special acknowledgement of gratitude to Letha's devoted and loving caregivers; Dorothy Carley, Kathy Ivy, Francine Kiefert, Katherine Cordova, Susan McCann, Ruth Bengfort, and all who worked so tirelessly and selflessly in ensuring Letha's last years upon this earth were full of love, laughter, and comfort and all of which was overseen and aided by her ever present loving daughter Dee.
We would also like to thank Dr. Edward Kompare, Dr. Clifford Clark, Basin Home Heath Group, Basin Hospice and Susie Matlock for their kind and loving care and for their admirable assistance.
As Letha touched the hearts and lives of so many, there will be a viewing for those who wish to say goodbye to this special lady, from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008, at Brewer Lee & Larkin Funeral Home in Farmington.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Joslin officiating. Wearing something red is encouraged, as it was Letha's favorite color.
Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, 1606 N. Dustin Ave., in Farmington.
Pallbearers are Sonny Metcalf, Joshua Davis, J. Reid Anderson, Steve Florez and Luke Florez.
Honorary pallbearers will be John Homer, Bill Nichols and David Metcalf.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that everyone so inclined perform a random act of kindness, in Letha's memory. Donations may also be made to the wonderful people at Basin Hospice, 200 N. Orchard, Farmington, NM 87401. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com
All arrangements are being handled by the kind and compassionate staff of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., in Farmington; (505) 325-8688.