Lois BRANHAM

Lois Branham Pare passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2005. The daughter of Arthur Branham and Josephine Ryan-Branham, Lois was born on her father's homestead ranch on April 4, 1912, in what was then the Arizona-New Mexico Territory. The family's ranch was probably very near what is now the border between Arizona and New Mexico, in southern Arizona. Lois spent her early years on the ranch, and around the southern Arizona cities of Douglas and Bisbee. She attended high school in Douglas. Her father operated a stage line that carried the mail, and served passengers in many southern Arizona towns and ranches. Lois was married to Glen Pare in October of 1936, and later became the mother of Linda Pare-Bayless (deceased), and John Pare, currently living in Texas. Glen predeceased Lois, who is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, many of whom remain in Arizona. Lois served as the long time Administrative Director of the State of Arizona Department of Mines and Mineral Resources. Her love for Arizona, its people, its Native American tribes and artwork, and its rich and storied history are known to all who knew Lois well. Lois was a devoted Catholic, and a member of the St. Agnes Parish for many years. Visitation will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home located at 4800 E. Indian School Road. A Funeral Service will be conducted at Whitney & Murphy at 12:30 P.M., immediately following the visitation Published in The Arizona Republic from 4/2/2005 - 4/3/2005.