Patricia “Patty” Jean (Vaughn) Braden
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute
Patricia “Patty” Jean (Vaughn) Braden
January 30, 1960 – September 5, 2025
Patricia Jean Braden, lovingly known as Patty, age 65, of Louisburg, Kansas, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, at home with loved ones.
Patty was born on January 30, 1960, in Fredonia, Kansas, to Frank and Viola Vaughn. She grew up in Olathe, Kansas, where she attended Olathe High School and first met her future husband, Ted Braden. Although life took them on different paths, they reconnected years later and married in 1987. Together, they built a life full of love, raising children and moving between Alaska, Kansas, and Texas.
She devoted her career to serving others as a social worker for the state of Texas, where she became a dedicated advocate for the aged and disabled. Through her work, Patty touched countless lives and formed lifelong friendships that she cherished deeply.
A gifted and creative spirit, Patty loved crafting in every form—sewing, ceramics, painting, woodworking—and she especially enjoyed crafting alongside her mom, her sister, and later her grandchildren. She also poured her heart into cooking, showing love through food and bringing family together at holidays, birthdays, and backyard barbecues.
Patty’s laughter was a treasure. She and her siblings shared a bond full of humor, jokes, and love, a closeness that carried through every stage of life. But of all her roles, being Mom, “Pretty Aunt Patty,” and especially Nonnie brought her the greatest joy. Nothing made her happier than spending countless hours playing, crafting, and celebrating every milestone with her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Patty was preceded in death by her father, Frank Vaughn. She is survived by her mother, Viola Vaughn; her husband, Ted Braden; brother Mike Vaughn and wife Patty; sister Kathy Wingfield and husband Ric; her children Brett Vaughn, Tara Jennings and husband Mike, Ashly Watts and husband Jeff, Jason Braden and wife Amanda, and Juston Braden; her cherished grandchildren Emily, Riley, and Tyler of Kansas, and Ryan, Roland, Marie, Paisley, Mark, and Michael of Texas; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and dear loved ones.
She leaves behind more than memories—she leaves a legacy. Her family will carry forward her traditions of gathering around the table, of celebrating every moment big and small, and of creating beauty with their hands and hearts. The lessons she taught—about love, kindness, humor, and perseverance—will echo for generations. In every shared meal, every crafted keepsake, every burst of laughter, and every joyful playtime with her grandchildren, Patty’s spirit will live on.
She was kind, amazing, strong, and compassionate—always there for everyone. If you ever sat at her table, you were family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and light, and will be dearly missed every single day.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patty’s honor to the Team Gleason Foundation or the ALS Association.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 12th, from 12:00–2:00 PM at Town Square Events, 15 W Wea St, Paola, KS 66071.
Mom left this world but she left a world of impression on my children and myself. She showed us what family meant, showed us the power of compromise and team work in a successful marraige, what it looks like. Her love for my dad is a lucid display of womanly strength making a great example for my children to emulate. We are proud of her in every single way. We love her and we look forward to seeing her when the time is right. With all of the love in our hearts. The Braden Family in Houston.
From Brett A Vaughn for well miss I’m mother she been there that her family friends loved in the family. She always will be missed. We have our closer and God bless God. Love you more as your son see you when is my time to go. heaven. with love your son forever. Brett A Vaughn
Patty & I Were High School Friends!! Our bond included our families, We had good times & Hard times but we always supported one another. Life could get busy but we stayed in touch & Got together when we could.. We were always there for each other. I could stop by her Mom & Dads home for a visit with open arms. I am so saddened for her loss. praying for her Mom & Her Husband Ted and her children and grandchildren. Patty was a beautiful soul! I will Miss You My Friend ❤️🩹
Tara, Ashley, and the entire blessed and special family of Patty, please know that you are all in our hearts, prayers, and well wishes for healing from the your loss of this beautiful woman. Tara…I love you, and WOW! Your passage above was spot on and conveyed such a beautiful image of all that your mom was, and to how many she touched in her time her with us. We can’t help but hurt and mourn when someone THIS BIG in our lives is taken away, but glory be to God for allowing her to leave that failing body that she had become trapped in with her illness. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, I just love the love that your family exudes. I can’t help but feel that Patty taught you all that, exemplified that, and knew that you would take care of one another in her absence. I know they will be big shoes to fill, but this is now your your role and purpose, of course with the help of all your family, to keep her light shining!!
God Speed for your healing. I love you all so much… and thank you for sharing your beautiful mom with me too!😘🙏✝️
Tara, I am so sorry to see that you lost your mother! She was almost exactly the same age as I am now. When I saw her picture, I thought right away of your smile, and was taken by how adorable she was. I loved the things you wrote about her — so heartfelt and down to earth. I can’t imagine how much you are missing her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Sending love and strength to you.
Petty touched so many lives, and she will always be remembered for her quick wit. And her generous spirit to family and to friends, I believe the world was a better place because she lived and left. So many precious memories
For her co-workers, as well as her family she was a great cook as well as a woodworker. I still have many items that she carved for me. May she rest in peace?
And may you the family
Be comforted.
I thank God for knowing her. It has truly been a blessing knowing she was in this world.
Love you, Patty and will miss you