Mildred Ruth Branaugh

Mildred Ruth Branaugh, age 90, of Yankton, South Dakota was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, her heavenly Savior, on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton. Memorial services are 1:00 PM, on Monday, April 15, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church in Yankton with Reverend Rick Slattery officiating. Private family inurnment will be at the Yankton Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton. Mildred was born at her grandmother’s home in Lesterville, SD on November 30, 1928 to her parents Julius and Bertha (Orth) Frank. In her childhood days, she experienced the Great Depression and the family moved several times so her father could find carpentry work. She recalled living in Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Tyndall and Sioux City, IA where her father helped with building airports for the war effort. They moved to Yankton in 1936. Memories of the Great Depression remained with her forever as she had a very generous spirit and was always looking for ways to help others. She sent birthday cards, get well cards, and encouragement cards to countless individuals over the years, and many of those cards included a little extra “love” (cash). Each card was accompanied with prayer as she was an avid prayer warrior throughout her life. Mildred was married to Frank Branaugh on February 21, 1947 and together they raised four children, Ronny, Tim, Becky and Erin. For over 61 years Frank called her his bride, as she was always his partner and helpmate. Together they hosted countless family gatherings over the years, attended a myriad of high school baseball and basketball games, and band and choral concerts. She and Frank were devoted Twins’ fans, and they also enjoyed traveling for Frank’s veteran’s conventions. She was an exceptional seamstress, sewing beautiful clothing for her girls and hundreds of items for church activities. She was a volunteer at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, was involved in women’s Bible studies, and in later years thoroughly enjoyed her Friday afternoons at church folding bulletins with the other ladies. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and served in various capacities over the years. Mostly she will be remembered for her unconditional love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always had time for her extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as friends. She was the glue that held the family together. She gave sacrificially and continually, was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her children: Ronny Cromwell, Cave Creek, AZ; Tim (Joan) Branaugh, Becky (Seth) Swanstrom, and Erin (David) Schuster, all of Yankton; grandchildren: Chad (Kelli) Cromwell, Callie (Chad) Bonine, Toni (Erich) Bretthauer, Tim (Mary) Branaugh, Mark (Jackie) Swanstrom, Chris Swanstrom, Ryan (Emily) Swanstrom, Jake (Julie) Swanstrom, Andrew Schuster, and Meghan Schuster, 16 great grand-children, one brother, Norman (Doris) Frank, Tucson, AZ, sister-in-law Colleen Frank, Rapid City, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Frank, siblings: Idella Stverak, Karl Frank, Leonard Frank, Lee Beard, Ruby Bartikowsky, Vernard Frank, Irene Nohava, Merle Frank, and Eleanor Schuur. To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.