Leona Whited Bratcher

Leona M. Whited Bratcher, 94, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Brookdale, McPherson.  

Leona was born on July 26, 1929, near Lindsborg, KS, the daughter of Johan Hjalmar Ernest and Ethel Aurora Christina (Falen) Jacobson.   She graduated from Lindsborg High School and attended Bethany College.  

She worked at Swick-Guth as a machinist and was a telephone switchboard operator, nurse aid, and shoe dept. manager at Walmart.

On March 21, 1953, Leona was united in marriage to Wayne B. Whited in Lindsborg, KS.  He died February 27, 1993.  She married B. Ray Bratcher on April 3, 1997, in McPherson, KS.  He preceded her in death on June 18, 2022.

Survivors include six children, Gary Wayne Whited (Arnell) of Hutchinson, KS, Ron Whited (Carolyn) of Grifton, NC, Wanda Weyand (Robert) of McPherson, KS, Mike Bratcher (Lou Rice) of Houston, TX, Kent Bratcher (Rhonda) of Yukon, OK, and Gary Bratcher (Donna Taylor) of Dallas, TX; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and four brothers, Henry, John, Vernon, and Delbert Jacobson.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, McPherson.   The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 13, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg.

Memorial donations may be made to McPherson County Food Bank or the Cat House in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.