Elsie M. Branden, age 79, died early Friday morning, April 27, 2012, at the Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kansas.

She was born July 21, 1932, in rural Meade County, Kansas, the daughter of William H. “Bill” and Blanche (Tillery) Painter. As a young girl she attended the Meade school system, graduating from Meade High School in 1950, she later attended Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas, receiving her degree in home economics. Upon her graduation, she began her career as a home economics agent for Kansas Sate University working in Hugoton, Kansas, and Garden City, Kansas. After her retirement she returned to Meade County.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Meade Golf Club, both of Meade. She enjoyed golfing, playing cards, belonging to several bridge clubs, sewing, and working crossword puzzles.

On September 29, 1957, she married John William “Bill” Branden at Hugton, Kansas.

She is survived by:

A brother, Jack Painter of Meade, Kansas

Two sisters, Jean White of Chanute, Kansas

Kay Nye of Buhler, Kansas

Seven nephews and two nieces

Special friends, Larry Stucker and Jeannie Stucker

She is preceded in death by her husband on June 18, 2003; parents; and a sister, Ellen E. Goodnight on October 15, 2009.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 30, 2012, at the First Baptist Church, Meade, with Pastor Gordon Paulsen presiding. Inurnment will follow in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade. Cremation has taken place.

The family would welcome memorials to the Meade Golf Club in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.

Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com