Loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Virginia Maxine Branch, 89, of Albion passed away on Friday June 21, 2013 at Avalon Care Center in Pullman. Graveside funeral services will be held on Wednesday June 26, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Albion Cemetery with Rev. Dennis Rodgers of Harvest Baptist Church officiating.

Virginia was born on April 14, 1924 at Kahlotus, Washington to Zach & Mabel (Stith) McChesney. She married Elbert Branch on October 10, 1947 at Stevenson, Skamania County, Washington, and the couple made their home in Albion. A year after they were married, she and Elbert welcomed their daughter Linda to the family.

Virginia was a homemaker and her greatest joy was taking care of her family and others. She took care of many children in Albion over the years and was also known to drive the elderly ladies of Albion to the store and doctor's appointments, as she had both a driver's license and a car. She enjoyed gardening, working pencil puzzles, keeping up on current affairs, reading magazines, and watching the American Pickers on TV. She was the family historian and enjoyed telling family stories from the past. Virginia loved and enjoyed animals. She saved, helped, and found homes for many abused and neglected pets over the years. She had many rescue pets including her most recent dog, Angel, who is a rescue from the humane society.

Virginia is survived by her husband of 65 years Elbert Branch at the family home; daughter Linda (Don) Gallagher; granddaughter Ginger Gallagher and great granddaughter Samantha Gallagher, all of Albion. She was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Whitman County Humane Society or to a veteran's service organization of your choice. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman has been entrusted with arrangements.