Karlena Kay Branson

Karlena Kay Branson was born on Wednesday, November 26th, 1969, in Ottawa, Kansas. She was the daughter of Dave and Janet S. (Johnson) Diamond. Karlena was a lifelong Franklin County, Kansas resident. She made her home in Richmond, Kansas, until her death Monday, October 3, 2005, at the age of thirty-five years, due to her illness of diabetes. Karlena graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1988. She attended Superior School of Hairstyling, Olathe, Kansas. She held various jobs and was a stay-at-home mom, which she really enjoyed. She attended Ruhamah Baptist Church in Rantoul, Kansas. Karlena was a beautiful, vibrant young lady who loved spending time with her family and friends. She was such a joy and blessing to so many. She enjoyed outdoor activities, especially, camping and boating. In 1989, Karlena was united in marriage with Craig Coulson in Pomona, Kansas. They later divorced. On February 27, 1999, Karlena was united in marriage with Mike Branson in Princeton, Kansas. He survives of their home. She is also survived by her father, Dave Diamond and his wife, Joan, of Ottawa; stepmother, Dea Diamond of Princeton, Kansas; daughter, Saidee Coulson of Rantoul, Kansas; three stepdaughters, Michelle Branson of Ottawa, Christina Branson of Manhattan, Kansas, Julie Moore of Olathe, Kansas; sister, Lori Gould and her husband, Ron, of Windsor, Colorado; two stepbrothers, Tim Diamond and his wife, Shelly, of Ottawa, Ty Johnson and his wife, Connie, of Reno, Nevada; three stepsisters, Wendy Hamilton and her husband, Dan, of Ottawa, Ginger Markley and her husband, Chad, of Ottawa, Teal Hermreck of Pomona; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Janet S. (Johnson) Diamond. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2005. IN STATE: Karlena will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 4:00 p.m. Thursday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 7 to 8:00 Thursday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Karlena Branson`s Children`s Education Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.