Wilma Ruth England was born February 26, 1942, in Middlesboro, Kentucky; she was the daughter of George and Edna (Jones) England. She moved to Monroe in 1950. On May 9, 1962, she married Arvil Lee Braden in Monroe; he preceded her in death February 3, 2008.
Wilma was a strong-willed, independent woman. She was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It was important to her to attend their events and be a part of their successes, birthdays, and celebrations. She didn't like getting her picture taken but she did it anyway, as to capture the memories. Wilma was known for being a feisty one and had no problem telling you how she felt, but with that feistiness, came love.
When she wasn't spending time with her family, she could be found strolling through Meijer for hours or frequenting the local "junk stores" to see what little treasures she could find. Wilma also enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers play. She even went to a game and got to sit directly behind home plate.
Wilma was strong in her faith and attended North Monroe Street Church of God. Because of her faith, it is believed that she chose the day that Christ was born to enter Heaven's gates.
Wilma Ruth Braden, age 81, of Monroe, passed away Monday, December 25, 2023, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital after a recent decline in health. In the days leading up to her passing, she was surrounded by family and those who loved her. Everyone shared their fondest memories of her, which resulted in a lot of laughter and a lot of tears.
Wilma is survived by three children, Vickie Bomia of Monroe, Patty Morelli of Toledo and Brian Braden of Monroe; a sister, Dorothy Ellison of Monroe; two sisters-in-law, Lorraine England of Milwaukee, WI and Adell England of Knoxville, TN; seven grandchildren, Justyn (Calli) Rembowski of East Grand Forks, MN, Jordan (Staci) Morelli of Toledo, Sydney Morelli of Toledo, Gregory Bomia of Monroe, A.J. Standifer of Hazel Park, Nicholas Shinevarre of Monroe and Shane Braden of Monroe; eight great grandchildren, Abel, Braxton, Jackson, Everleigh, Oakley, Kinsley, Zelda and Jude.
She is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers; Junior Thomas, Howard England, Schultz England and Will England and three sisters, Edith Eastridge, Georgie Lambert and Alma Jenkins.
In accordance with Wilma's wishes, cremation has taken place and the family is planning a celebration of life that will take place in 2024. Bacarella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .