Vivian Irene Braden

Vivian Irene Braden, 97, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park, Kansas.

Family will meet with friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa, Kansas.

Graveside services will be held 1:30 pm, Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas.

Vivian was born Tuesday, August 31, 1926, in Concordia, Kansas. She was the daughter of Orin and Lillian (Dykes) Bedard,

She grew up in Concordia and Salina, Kansas. Vivian lived in California from 1971 to 1991 before moving to Richmond Kansas.

Vivian was united in marriage to Hyder Zedic “Zed” Braden August 21, 1953, in Cheyenne Wyoming. He preceded her in death on Thursday, September 15, 2016.

Above all, Vivian’s love and dedication to the Lord was unwavering. She had an immeasurable love for her husband and family. Growing up, she was surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. She spoke often of the grandmother who raised her. She regularly spoke of her stepfather Mike Strait who was dear to her heart. Vivian was a caring giving person whose love knew no boundaries.

Recently an eloquent speaking person described Vivian as an urbane (courteous and refined in manner), witty, raconteur (speaks in a skillful and amusing way) who is sharp as a tack, with a sparkle in her eyes.

She was a lady of versatility. Her favorite color was pink and her favorite flower was a pink lily. Music brought her joy whether it be singing, yodeling or listening to songs with a beat. As a young woman she cut a record. She loved to dance.

The first seven of her young adult years Vivian was a patient in a hospital for TB in Norton KS. While there she was a radio DJ, a telephone operator, a leather worker, and a nurse. During that time she agreed to test a new medication that was a possible cure for TB. As a result of her selflessness her TB was healed and the disease itself is no longer on the rise in the U.S. Although genteel in spirit and nature, she was a very strong woman.

Vivian was preceded in death by husband Zed Braden; parents Mike and Lillian Strait; son Larry Eugene Braden; brothers Orin B. “Jr.” Bedard, Gene Strait and Gilbert Strait.

Survivors include four children Gregory Everett Braden, Martin Zedic Braden II of Clifton, Colorado, Hyder Damon Braden (Laura) of Spring Valley, California, and Kathryn Karama Polidore (Joe) of Ottawa; sister Marlene Strait McMullen of McPherson, Kansas; along with 23 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.