Marcille Ann Kerstiens Branch, 97, passed away at Linda E. White Hospice in Evansville on July, 27, 2026. She was born December 28, 1928, in Rockport to Henry and Marie (Marcille) Kerstiens. She was reared by her Aunt Carrie and Uncle Matthew Vogelsang after her mother’s death in 1932.
She was preceded in death by her parents, aunt and uncle (Vogelsangs), husband, Alfred Branch, son, Neal Branch, brother, Donald Kerstiens and sister, Mary Stinnett.
She is survived by two daughters, Connie Branch of Evansville and Julie Benton of Rockport; two sons, Dean Branch of Rockport and Brad Branch of Richland; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family.
Marcille graduated from St. Bernard Catholic School, Rockport High School in 1947 and Lockyear Business College.
She married Alfred Branch in June 1949. They were married 66 years before his passing in 2015.
She worked with her husband in their businesses for 37 years. They owned the Modern Restaurant, Motel and Standard Service Station and Reo Homes. They developed Reo Heights subdivision, started Reo Water and Reo Sewer which installed water and sewer lines for the greater Reo area. She retired from the Spencer County Auditor’s office in 2001.
Marcille was a wonderful and kind person who enjoyed family visits and loved talking about family history. She was a fabulous knitter and will be remembered for her adorable baby sweaters.
She was a lifelong member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Rockport. Her ancestors were one of the first four families in 1849 to become members and they even held mass in their home before the church was built.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Bernard Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 19, at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Boultinghouse Funeral home has been entrusted with her care. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to St. Bernard Church or School.
