Kathryn Elizabeth Cronkhite Bratcher

  Kathryn Elizabeth Cronkhite Bratcher was born December 12, 1932, in Enid, Okla to J B and Lillian Cronkhite. She passed away January 10, 2024, in her daughter’s home in Pond Creek, OK at the age of 91. Kay grew up near Watonga on the Cronkhite Ranch located on the west edge of Roman Nose State Park. Kay graduated from Watonga High School in 1951, then entered Oklahoma A & M. On October 25, 1952, she married the love of her life, Sam Bratcher. They were married for 40 years and lived on the family farm southwest of Nash where they were devoted to raising their three daughters.

   Kay was actively involved with Sam on taking care of the family farm while overseeing the three girls and their many activities. There was always a meal on the table and clothes were ironed and pressed ready for any activity that came along, whether it be 4-H dress review, livestock shows, rodeos, basketball or softball games. She had many Artistic talents making special birthday cakes, sewing costumes, queen outfits, or painting, to name a few. She enjoyed preparing tasty meals for the many that graced her table. In 1978-1981 Kay served as secretary of the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association. When grandchildren came along Kay continued to be an avid fan of their many activities. Voices of children always brought a smile to her face, even down to her last days.

  Kay was preceded in death by her parents, J B & Lillian Cronkhite, her younger brother, Kelly Cronkhite, and her husband Sam Bratcher.

  Kay is survived by an older sister Carolyn Bachman, Salt Lake City, UT, sister-in-law Pat Cronkhite of Enid, OK; daughters, Roxi Bratcher of Pond Creek, OK, Rita Smith and husband John, Boise City, OK, Ronda Merrifield and Husband Loran of Nash, OK; granddaughters Kizzi Neeland and husband Kent of Stillwater, Kambri Harland and husband Garrett of Goodwell, Cassidi McNabb and husband Riley of Boise City, Samantha Creed and Husband Micah of Pond Creek, Sierra Coe and husband Colton of Nash; great grandchildren, Aubren Harland Bratcher and Maggie McNabb, Smith Neeland, Piper and Jax Creed; also several nieces and nephews.

  Visitation will be 5:30-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at Wilson Funeral Home, Pond Creek, OK. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Nash Christian Church, Nash, OK officiated by Pastor Matt Watkins and Pastor Kelly Cronkhite. Interment to follow in New Home Cemetery, Nash, OK.

Memorials may be made to the Nash Fireman’s Association or New Home Cemetery, Nash, OK.