Ralph W Braden

Ralph W. Braden, Sr., 57, of Elm Street, Franklin died on Friday, May 30, 2014 at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA. Born May 19, 1957 in Monroe, MI, Ralph was the son of the late Clarence and Betty (Strokotter) Braden. He was married to Betty Crusan, who survives.Mr. Braden was a graduate of Keystone High School in Knox. He was employed as an Attendant for VNA Home Care and a Kirby Sweeper salesman for many years.Ralph enjoyed karaoke, helping others, hunting and fishing, riding motorcycles and ATV's, camping, family cook-outs, working on cars, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.In addition to his wife, as listed above, Ralph is survived by his children, Robert Braden and his wife, Maurice of Knox, PA, David Braden and his wife, Angela of Black River, MI, Jay Braden and his wife, Kellie of Oil City, PA, Betty Sortor and her husband, Robert Sortor, Jr. of Monroe, MI, and Sueann Bashaw and her husband, Andrew of Monroe, MI; his brothers, Wade Guy and his wife, Leona of Alpena, MI and Keith Beal and his wife, Kathy of Franklin; and 15 grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents.Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, from 9-11 a.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home immediately following visitation at 11:00 am, with Rev. Denny Weaver pastor of the Christ Fellowship Church of Kossuth, officiating. In Ralph's memory, memorial donations may be made to help defray funeral expenses c/o Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA 16323.To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.