Our sweet valentine left for her heavenly home March 10, 2013. She was born 86 years ago, February 14, 1927, to Abe and Blanche Snell in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She attended Muskogee Central High School and later Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, OK (now named University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma).

She and Hank Braden met as 15 and 16 year olds and were sweethearts forever after and very seldom apart. They married July 27, 1947 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muskogee, OK.

The last few years they have touched the hearts of many strangers as they lovingly leaned on each other for support and doing errands. Having been married for nearly 66 years, their love and devotion to each other has been testimony to others as to the true meaning of marriage.

Vesta was a very devout Catholic after converting at the time of their marriage. She, her husband and six children were active in the Catholic parishes where ever they lived around the country. Long time parishioners of St. Pius X in Tulsa, they once hosted a Seder Service at St. Pius, helping the parish learn more of their Jewish brethrens' faith. More recently they have been members of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Cookson, OK. Father Desmond lovingly refers to her as "Matriarch" of the small faith community, often delaying the start of mass after her last minute arrival.

Very busy raising six young children, Vesta still found time to volunteer as a Girl Scout leader and numerous other activities. At St. Pius she had small parts in several parish productions. She also was a member of St. Pius choir and for many years was a soloist at Christmas midnight mass singing "O Holy Night". She also worked for a few years as a Sears knitting instructor, winning numerous awards for her talent.

Preceded in death by her parents and one son, Matthew Francis Braden and survived by husband Hank Braden and children: Carol Laws (Bill), Dr. Joseph Braden (Deborah), Cathy O'Bannon (Hugh), Deborah Yager and Greg Braden; grandchildren: Erin Laws Davidson (Matt), Cory and Mark Laws, Justin Braden, Bridget Booth (Anthony), Elizabeth Braden, Matt O'Bannon, Nikki Walls (Wayne), Angela Seaba (Cody), Joshua Yager, Gregory Braden, Jr., Chaera Stone and Kayla Franco; twelve great-grandchildren and brother Patrick Snell.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 12, 5:00 -7:00 p.m., and Rosary will be said at 7:00 p.m., both at Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 1402 S. Boulder Ave., Tulsa. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 13, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Cookson, OK. Interment will follow at Floral Haven Cemetery, Broken Arrow, OK, at 3:00 p.m.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel 918-585-1151.