Betty & Luther - Their Stories
BETTY
To those who knew and loved her, Elizabeth “Betty” Rachel McComas Branham was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to family, friends, and ultimately, to God.
Born in Danville, IL, Betty grew up with two brothers, Dr Robert McComas of Mesilla, NM, and James McComas of Orinda, CA, who both survive her. Betty faced challenges growing up, losing her father at 16, her mother at 24. Yet Betty graduated top of her class at Marquette High School in Tulsa, OK, and shortly thereafter married her childhood sweetheart, Luther George Branham Jr.
Luther was an “explorer,” repeatedly pulling Betty into challenging adventures throughout their 61-year marriage – from small-town family living in Las Cruces as a ranch mom and wife, to life on the road as a hesitant, fulltime RVer. No matter where she lived, Betty volunteered in her community and worked in family businesses. Her happiest years were spent in Las Cruces, raising her family of four, spending time at the lake, and working in the local treasurer's office.
Betty was devoted to her children, Linda Susan, Luther III, LouAnne, and Leslie, as well as her many grandchildren. She also loved her pets, especially her precious “doggies.” Her way of naming pets was all hers; she gave them versions of the same name, from Ollie the cow to Schnauzers like Vickie III and Macho II, who never left her side while she battled Alzheimer’s.
Betty was playful by nature and had a wicked sense of humor. Outgoing and personable, she never failed to meet a “new best friend” and to share her life’s story. Betty happily took on the role of family historian; she would spend hours talking about history and roots, blending a rich tapestry of stories about the people who filled her long, rich life. She also chronicled the details of daily living, writing her children long letters while they were away on everything from weather patterns to dog activities.
Raised in a middle-class family with Scottish and German roots, Betty had a disposition for frugalness, which she instilled in her family. She was a life-long and dedicated Catholic, attending mass regularly.
In her later years, Betty joined oldest daughter Linda and her husband, Albert, in Bensalem, PA, where she died on September 20, 2017. Betty was ready to move from this world, having lived her life fully and fulfilling her life’s mission.
LUTHER
Luther George Branham Jr. graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA) and Tulsa University. He served his country as a junior officer and air traffic controller in the US Air Force. A member of a longtime Tulsa, OK family involved in several businesses, he worked in the family Pepsi bottling business, eventually owning his own plant in Seminole, OK. He married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth (Betty) Rachel McComas, also from Tulsa. Luther and “Betts” spent more than 60 years together.
Luther moved his family to Las Cruces, NM in 1962, and began a lifelong career as a CPA; he owned several businesses including two accounting practices, Branham and Brooks CPAs, and later in Truth or Consequences, NM, Branham and Janos CPAs. He was more than a financial advisor to his clients, often building lifelong friendships. Those who knew him best described this special relationship as, "if you have any problems, just call Luther."
Luther was very active in politics. He held leadership roles in various campaigns and served as Dona Ana County Republican Chairman for many years. He was a lifelong entrepreneur (before the term became popular) and, in addition to his accounting practices, started numerous companies, including a golf course, a radio station (KSNM in New Mexico), and Rufus Tutti ice cream shop, his most interesting business and his only "business failure."
Luther was also a part-time farmer and rancher in southern New Mexico, where he owned a ranch with several large apple orchards.
Luther served as the director of Federal Housing Administration of NM in Albuquerque, a role he was most proud of because, he said, it "was the only federal agency that was self supporting…." Later in life he spent his time "RVing" in his coach and doing what he loved most, which was exploring. He had a passion for new places and history, and he was fascinated by trains. He also loved being around water. He owned a lake house for many years at Elephant Butte Lake, where he often pulled his kids water skiing.
Although not religious, Luther lived his life following the golden rule and treated all with respect and compassion. He believed in living life to the fullest and did so until he passed in Bensalem, PA on July 27, 2012.
