Drena J. Braden

Drena J. Braden (nee Plumley), 71, of Vermilion, died Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Mercy Regional Medical Center after a lengthy illness. She was born December 3, 1949 in Beckley, WV. She later grew up in Applecreek and Lakeville, Ohio. Drena was a devoted nursery worker at Westwood Baptist church in Wooster, Ohio and enjoyed taking care of all the little children who came her way. She could soothe a crying child in a rocking chair like no one esle. Drena ended up moving to Vermilion where she met Bob Braden and married him. Drena had been a Vermilion resident for the past 25 years moving from Oberlin and Lorain. Drena worked in Housekeeping for many years at St Josephs in Lorain. She especially loved working in the emergency room where she enjoyed giving out popsicles to the little children who had a hard time sitting still. Drena loved spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed being with her grandchildren. Drena looked forward to attending Holiday dinners and Carving pumpins. She was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church. Drena moved to Kingston of Vermilion approx 6 years ago. Drena loved life and loved calling Kingston her home. She loved riding her power wheelchair all around Kingston before Covid hit. She was the queen of playing games and putting puzzles together. She kept track of everyone and made sure everyone did their job. She often comforted her Kingston friends with a kind word or pat on the hand. Drena loved feeding the birds outside her window. She often used her small allowance to buy bird seed and peanuts for the squirrels, especially "Charlie". Drena looked out for the other residents and made sure they were taken care of. The past few months were hard on Drena, being isolated in her room. She made the best of it and often found joy in the little things. She had fun making crafts and painting. She enjoyed getting candy to share with staff. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Drena was a giver. She is survived by her step-daughters, Rachel Braden of Lorain and Roberta (George) Kurk of Vermilion; grandchildren, Jayden, Destiny, Conner and Kristy; brother, Doug Gunn; and sisters, Mary Peltla, Jane Vanmerr, Shirley Cox, Tina Hotess, and Nancy Cartwright; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Braden, Jr. and her parents, Calvart and Thelma Pucket. Friends may call from 3:30 p.m. until the time of the services at 4:00 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2020 at Lakeview Baptist Church, 591 Ferndale Ave., Vermilion, OH 44089. Pastor Cliff Morris will officiate. Private burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Lakeview Baptist Church, 591 Ferndale Ave., Vermilion, OH 44089. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.