Delores was born December 19, 1937, the fifth child of Orville and Bertha (Barker) Nichols of Appleton City, Missouri. She grew up in a large family consisting of her father, mother, three brothers, and six sisters. She graduated from Appleton City High School as a member of the class of 1956.
Delores worked for a time, at the old Ellett Hospital while she anxiously awaited the love of her life to return home from Italy, where he was serving in the United States Air Force. On December 28, 1957, Delores and Wilfred K. “Bill” Bracher were married at the home of the bride’s parents by the Reverend George Jagels. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage prior to his death on May 20, 2010. They were the parents of three children: Russell Alan, Roxanne Audrey, and Ranae Adele.
Delores worked alongside Bill on their farm northwest of Rockville, Missouri where they raised crops and polled Hereford cattle. They kept an immaculate yard and a large garden. The cellar and freezers were always stocked with the fruits of their labor. After the children were older and in school, Delores worked for Mott’s Meat Locker in Rockville, Missouri and later Thorco Industries in Butler, Missouri. In retirement she and Bill enjoyed many happy times camping at Truman Lake with family and friends. Delores was a wonderful cook, her fried chicken and meatloaf were beyond compare. Delores had a love of music which she passed along to her children. From their youth she would gather them around her as she taught them old-time country, gospel favorites, and harmonies. She would accompany them on the guitar, mandolin, or autoharp, mostly playing by ear.
Delores had a steadfast faith in her Savior, Jesus, and was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City, Missouri. In past years, she taught Sunday school, was a Zion Ladies Aid member, served on the altar committee and sang in Zion’s choir.
Preceding Delores in death were her parents; her husband Bill; sisters, Doris Ann Nichols, and Marie Brown; brothers, Glen Nichols and Wilbur Nichols.
Surviving Delores are her children, Russell (Janet) Bracher, Roxanne (Edward) Jurgensmeyer, Ranae (Daris) Magoffin; grandchildren: Travis (Rachel) Bracher, Trevor (Christy) Bracher, Katelyn (Cameron) Bock, Tyler (Stacey) Jurgensmeyer, Noah Jurgensmeyer, Bruce (Scarlett) Watson, Anna (Noah) Graville; great-grandchildren: Jonah Bracher, Oliva and Owen Bracher, Cayden and Kylan Jurgensmeyer, Charlene (fiancé Caleb), Roy, Sahara and Sibylla Watson; brother, Eugene (Nancy) Nichols; sisters, Ellen (Kent) Higgins, Beulah Connor, Geraldine (Bill) Brownsberger, Connie Mott and many nephews and nieces.
Delores received great joy in spending time with family and friends. To her there was nothing better than a nice visit around the kitchen table with a hot cup of coffee and maybe a game or two of pinochle, pitch, or marbles. Delores was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family suggests any memorial donations be given to Zion Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be held Sunday March 31st from 6pm-7pm at the Hill & Sons Funeral Home in Appleton City. Funeral services will be held Monday April 1st at 10am at the Zion Lutheran Church.
