Novella Bratton

Novella Kay Bratton passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born July 26, 1955, in Chelan, Washington, to Lola and Ira McGuire, she was the fourth of five children. From an early age, Novella's warmth, strength, and natural leadership shaped every part of her life. Her greatest joy in life was her family. Novella and Mike were married in June of 1974 and recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. Among her proudest accomplishments were their two sons, Mitch and Marshall. She cherished every moment spent cheering them on, from their childhood sports to the lives they built as adults. And when her boys became fathers, they granted her greatest wish: the chance to become a grandmother, a role she embraced with endless love and pride. For more than 40 years, Novie ran an in-home daycare, caring for hundreds of children and creating a home filled with comfort, kindness, and the best snacks. Many of those children, now adults with families of their own, still stopped by to visit and raid her famous snack drawers. Novie spent her final years facing ALS with remarkable grace and dignity, all while continuing to care deeply for those around her. Even after losing her ability to speak, she never lost her gift for guiding her loved ones through life's challenges. Her strength, wisdom, and quiet encouragement remained a constant presence, even as she fought her own battles with unwavering courage. She leaves behind her loving husband Mike, who stuck by her side and cared for her through her terrible disease. Her sons, Mitch and Marshall (Amber). Her grandchildren, Molly, Brandon, Oliver, Grady, Bennett, & Parker. Along with nieces, nephews, and many daycare kids along the way that became family. She is preceded in death by her Parents (Lola & Ira), her brothers Russ McGuire, Ron, and Don McGuire and her sister Sherilyn McGuire, grandparents, and many loved family members. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Novella's name to the ALS Northwest Foundation. Website: alsnorthwest.org. Please join us in celebrating the life and love of Novie, Sunday, January 4th, at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Novella Bratton

July 26, 1955 - December 26, 2025