Hattie "Eldene" Branson, 86, of Albany died Monday.

She was born in Enterprise to Ed and Lora Long. She and her three sisters enjoyed growing up on the family ranch and loved sharing stories of her adventures on horseback.

She married Tony Branson in 1947 and they shared more than 50 years of married before his death in 1997. They had two children: Gail and Bruce.

Eldene moved from Bend to Albany in 2002 with her son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Diane.

Her family wishes to thank her caregivers who provided her with love, compassion and dignity as her health declined, and to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice for their support to all of her family.

Eldene is survived by her son, Bruce Branson and wife Diane of Albany; daughter Gail Branson of Bend; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

At this time no services are planned. For friends who wish to honor her life, the family suggests a contribution to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice in Albany.