Valerie Jo Braden

Valerie Braden, 66, of Oskaloosa, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines, Iowa. Valerie Jo was born to Donald H. and Wilma Lea (Dunton) Braden on May 7, 1957, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She attended Oskaloosa High School and had fond memories of fun with friends in her blue and white Camero. Through two marriages, Valerie was blessed with twins Keely and Kelly, a third daughter, Kami, and her son, Eric. While her children were young, she was a homemaker and later went to work at Easter’s Supervalue and Christian Opportunity Center; she truly enjoyed working at these places and the people with whom she worked. She later was employed at Paslode Manufacturing. The true love of her life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and attending their sporting events. Valerie was a member of the First Assembly of God Church; she loved gathering with her women’s group and enjoyed church outings. Valerie also loved to travel; Arizona and Branson were two of her favorite destinations. Her family includes her children: Keely Miller of Lamoni and Kelly (Matt) Saville of Oskaloosa; Kami Terrell of Oskaloosa and Eric (Johanna) Miller of Eddyville; nine grandchildren: Danielle Saville, Jax Saville, Seth Pelong, Jasmine Pelong, Stacey Terrell, Kayla Miller, Alexander Miller, Maddox Miller and Scarlett Miller; and a great-grandson, Paxton Connelly. She is also survived by siblings: Victoria “Vic” (Dan) Langstraat of Oskaloosa, Mike (Judy) Braden of Oskaloosa, Mark (Malissa) Braden of Troy, Ohio, and Matt (Becky) Braden of Oskaloosa. She leaves behind a special friend, Judy Russell of Oskaloosa, and her newest fur child, a Goldendoodle pup, Nani. In addition to her parents, Valerie was preceded by her fur child, a Yorkie, Scrappy. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, September 11, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel with Pastor Mike Dotson of the First Assembly of God Church officiating. Cremation will follow the service and burial will be at a later time. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., with the family present from 10 a.m. to service time. Memorial contributions can be made to Valerie’s family.

Valerie Jo Braden

May 7, 1957 - September 7, 2023