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Eileen Marcella Branson
01-18-2026

Eileen Marcella Branson, age 73, of Eden, South Dakota, passed away after a battle with cancer, on Sunday, January 18, at the residence of her son and daughter-in-law. She was born March 22, 1952, in Yankton, to Gilbert and Verena Heimes.

Eileen was a one-of-a-kind person, who lit up every room she entered. She was always positive, supportive, encouraging and incredibly caring. Her beautiful laugh was infectious. She lived that way every day until her last. Eileen loved the art of quilting and glass art, but not so much to be creative, but rather to think of the person who would receive the gift. She often beamed when telling of the gift she made, hoping it would bring the recipient joy. Eileen loved to go fishing on the open water, garden, bake and cook. Any recipient of her cookies knew how much love she put into each one.

Eileen was married to the love of her life, Cecil, for 33 years. She had such great love in her eyes when she looked at him. Their love is an inspiration to many. She loved her family and only saw the good in others. She was a person who saw people for their inner humanity, not for what was presented on the outside.

Eileen held many jobs, from day care provider to being department manager of the meat department and later the seafood department. She was very proud to be the first female journeyman butcher at Alpha Beta in California. She was wonderful at problem solving and making everything inviting whether at work or at home.

Eileen is survived by her soul mate and husband: Cecil Branson; her son: Darick and daughter-in-law, Janice Thompson; step-daughter: Ashley (Randy) Holtz; 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Eileen was one of 12 children. She is survived by her siblings: Janet (David) Jensen, Sharyl (Steve) Falk, Darrel (Marilyn Heimes), Leah Bartz, Rolland (Marcia) Heimes, Bill (Peggy) Heimes, Patty (Joe) Paquette, sister-in-law, Viola Heimes and many nieces and nephews. All who knew her loved her because she so freely shared her love and joy with others. Eileen was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Donald Heimes, Richard Heimes who lost his life in service to our country, Kenny Heimes and infant sister, Marie, brother-in-law, Jeffry Bartz. She also loved her yorkie, Spark Plug (Sparkie or Sparkle), after losing her much loved yorkie, Casanova, affectionately known as Cass.

There will be an open house at a later date. Rather than a memorial service, Eileen opted to spend her last days in the company of those she loved, and she shined with every smile at every visitor.