Pamella “Penny” Brafford
May 26, 2013
Penny Brafford, 71, passed away on May 26, 2013, after a long battle with COPD. She was born May 28, 1941, in Des Moines, the daughter of Gerald and Barbara Burch.
Penny loved spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She enjoyed fishing, was very creative, and a longtime member of the Des Moines Obedience Training Club.
Penny is survived by her daughters, Robbie (Jim) Van Arkel, Rhonda (Ray) Nagy; Rozzie (Dennis) Smith, Rammie (Larry) Goemaat; ten grandchildren, Rae Anda, Rhiannon, Riki, Rorrie, Amanda, Brittany, Courtney, Autumn, Tanner, Randi; eight great-grandchildren; half siblings, Tanya, Amber and Jerry Burch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Brafford; and son, Randy Brafford.
A special thanks to the staff at Bright Kavanagh for the loving care given to Penny during her extended stay.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 31, 2013, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
John and Mary Paulson
06/04/2013
We are very sorry to hear about Penney.I talked with Rammie last year and again this year at Mr.Tax and found that Penney was not well. Now she can be at rest and be with Mike again. John and Mary
Janet Draper
06/01/2013
Rhonda and all of the family. I am sorry to hear of Penny's passing. I went to high school with her, and actually came closer to her when we were planning our 50th reunion. She was a great friend and was glad we got to know each other in our later years. She will be missed.
Sharon Crookshank
06/01/2013
Robbie, so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Claradell Gergely Shedd
05/30/2013
The halls of North High are diminished with Penny's passing. Prayers and thoughts to her family and friends. Penny's 1959 North High class page:
http://www.ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1959(2009.50).html. I will miss you, Penny.
Claradell Shedd
Class of June, 1953
Amber Burch Tanner
05/30/2013
Penny's Beautiful Girls; Unlike my beloved Big Sister, I am not very good with words. So I thought I would share a poem from a card Penny gave me in Iowa many years ago. I have carried the card in my wallet ever since. "Sisters are Forever Friends."
Each morning when the day begins, when other friendships fade or end. Seasons come and seasons go. Summer rains turn into snow... But no matter where they live or how far they go... Sisters are forever.
Penny will be forever loved and missed. Little Sister.
Mary Ann Mc Coy
05/29/2013
Rhonda and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of your dear mother's passing. She was a delight to know. I shall keep you all in my prayers. You had wonderful parents and their goodness will be a great comfort to you in the days ahead.
Love, Mary Ann Mc Coy
Larry Martindale
05/29/2013
Dear Robbie/Ronda/Rozzie/Rammie:
Penny and I graduated from North High together in 1959. Penny was always so kind and considerate to everyone she met. She was well liked and respected by everyone and was always fun to be around. Penny had a keen sense of humor and was very tolerant of the foolish things boys do in high school. I remember Penny in the school play, Our Town, as she was one of the prettiest girls in that play. Penny always had time to listen to those who liked to talk and thought they had things to say. She was always a great listener and encouraging to others. On behalf of the North High Class of 1959, let me express our condolences and sympathy to your family. All of us will certainly miss our good friend Penny Burch Brafford. We know she will met at those perily gates of heaven with open arms. We will keep Penny and your loving family in our thoughts and prayers for the days that lie ahead.
Larry C. Martindale
59 Class Vice President
Janice Miller Ridder
05/29/2013
Dear Robbie, Rhonda, Rozzie, Rammie and families. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this sad time of grieving for your mom. The love she felt for all of you will forever be felt in your hearts. So happy she is forever again with your Dad and Randy. She missed them so much she told me, when we last talked on the phone before she went to Hospice. Much Love to All
Janice Miller (Madison) (Whiton) Ridder
joelaumann
05/29/2013
to rammie and your family am sorry about your mom will be missed i know my mom died 6 years ago my prayers are with you
Beth Olson
05/29/2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mom was truly amazing and made me smile every time I saw her. May she rest in peace.
Shar Randa
05/29/2013
I had the Wonderful Blessing, of getting to know the Brafford family. Penny's love for her family, was evident in everything she did! The Brafford get togethers, were full of laughter, games, fishing, competition and love! I send my love and prayers to all of you at this time.
Ronnie
05/29/2013
Dear Brafford Family, I was so sorry to read about the loss of your dear love one Pamella. My sincere condolences during this difficult time; may you all find comfort and knowing Jehovah the God of all comfort can give you the strength you need to get from one day to the next.
Pauline MC Ginn Steinbach
05/29/2013
So sadden to hear about your Mother. we send our condolences to you and all your family. The Steinbach Family ;
Janet Hockey
05/28/2013
Rammie and Family:
I am very sorry for the loss of your Mom! My prayers are with you now.
Jason Green
05/28/2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your Family! I will remember our farm chats.You were always keeping my fish tank cleaned and my crops planted.. May you rest in peace.Enjoy the company of your son and husband! Love u