Susan Renee' Braden, 70
Susan Renee’ Braden, daughter of Bernard and Caroline (Bair) Braden, was born in Glendive on March 11, 1949.
She died on Aug. 2, 2019. Susan leaves behind a life of hard work, her love of family, and her times with great friends.
Susan was raised and educated in Wibaux, graduating in 1967. She attended Eastern Montana College in Billings where she sponsored keggers in order to help buy her mother a Mother’s Ring. A year later she moved to Everett, Washington, going to work at Boeing Aircraft. In 1970, Susan began her 34-year career at Scott Paper, now called Kimberly Clark.
During her years in Everett, Susan made many good friends at work, playing softball and bowling. She loved playing cards and board games. She managed a small mobile home court, caring for and befriending many of its elderly residents. She also tutored and donated to needy families during the holidays. She was an avid sports fan, taping all her games so she wouldn’t have to watch commercials! “Don’t tell me the score, I haven’t watched it yet!” She loved the Seahawks and the Mariners and, of course, the Wibaux Longhorns.
Even though she lived and worked in Everett, Wibaux was always Susan’s home. She didn’t hesitate to return home when the family needed her help. In Wibaux she cared for her mother, mowed many lawns, and tended her property, Grandma Bair’s old house. She always met with her good friends in Wibaux, maybe having a few rum and Cokes.
Susan retired from Kimberly Clark in 2004 amid much hoopla at the factory. She still maintained those friendships throughout her retirement years. Susan moved to Kalispell, making her home in the forest of Many Lakes, which she tirelessly maintained for 14 years. Susan never met a stranger and soon had a wide circle of friends who liked to have a good time. They kayaked and had paintball fights, and every Saturday night they met at someone’s home for cards or board games. She was known for her fine cooking. She bowled in a league and volunteered at the food bank and the library. She loved to bring home the outdated books on tape!
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Barbara and Shelley, and her dog Sunshine.
She is survived by Shirley (Doug) Dundas, Bill (Cindy) Braden, brother-in-law Paul Ammon, Brenda (Mike) Huston, Bernie Braden, Buck Braden, Sharon Braden, Brad Braden, Steve (Janelle) Braden, and Scott Braden. She had 16 nieces and nephews. Susan’s many friends and family will miss her very much, but know hers was a life well-lived.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Wibaux.