Ruby Hice Branch

Ruby Hice Branch, 68, of NC 18 South, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at her residence following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on May 1, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Doctor "Doc" Hice and Willie H. Coleman Hice. Ruby was a member of Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church. She loved to garden and was a lover of all flowers. Ruby loved life and devoted herself to her family and church.She is survived by her daughter, Kaye Mourglea and husband, Andy, of Connelly Springs, NC; a son, Allen "Poncho" Branch and wife, Amparo, of Connelly Springs, NC; grandchildren, J.P. Johnson, April Johnson, Jessica Branch, Saharia Mourglea, and Andrew Mourglea; great-grandchildren, Hunter Johnson, Dylan Johnson, and Brayden Aikey; a sister, Emily Ollis and husband, Mack, of Morganton; and nieces, Carole McCracken and Wanda Mace and husband, Frank, both of Morganton.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Richard Branch; brothers, James "Pete" Hice, Fred Hice, and Richard "Wormy" Hice.The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church with Reverends Danny McNeilly, Ronnie LeFevers, and Gary Huntsinger officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. prior to the service. At other times the family will be at Mrs. Branch’s residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church, 5292 Walker’s Chapel Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.