Ruth LaVerne Bratcher

Ruth “LaVerne” Bratcher was born February 14, 1928 in Paducah, Texas. She died January 19, 2020 in Gilbert, AZ at 6:15 in the evening. She was 91 years old. LaVerne graduated from Artesia, NM High School in May 1947. She had many high school friends and spoke of them often. She enjoyed playing basketball in school. LaVerne was married to Carlton Ray Bratcher on November 30, 1947. They were married for 68 years. LaVerne’s jobs included working at a bakery, working for an insurance company, working at a grocery store, and being a teller at a bank, where she retired. LaVerne is survived by her daughter Floyce Shireman of Apache Junction, AZ, Son Dale Bratcher and his wife Alice of Artesia, NM, Son Tim Bratcher and wife Judy of Tucumcari, NM, and daughter Sharon Young of Boulder, CO. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and six great, great grandchildren. She is survived by one brother Gayle Mauldin of Lovington, NM and lots of nieces and nephews. LaVerne was preceeded in death by her husband Carl, her parents, Felix and Mattie Mauldin, sister Nelline Wyche, two brothers, Glenn Mauldin who was killed in WWII and Earl Mauldin. LaVerne was a member of HiWay Baptist Church in Mesa, AZ. She loved attending services and loved her church family. She also attended Oakwood Creative Care Adult Day Care Center during the week where she enjoyed being active with activities there. She loved her friends there and looked forward to returning each day. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 1:00 PM at HiWay Baptist Church, 10505 E Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Youth or Children’s ministry at HiWay Baptist Church.