Elsie G. Braum, 82, Ft. Collins CO, died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014. She was born August 8, 1931, in Iola, KS, to Daniel M. & Roberta Myers Braum. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., in 1950, and later graduated from Montgomery Junior College at Tacoma Park, MD.

Elsie served as the Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor at Colorado State University at Ft. Collins. She owned a sheep ranch and raised natural colored sheep. She also raised and trained Labrador Retrievers for bird hunting. She fought forest fires in Zenia, CA. Elsie belonged to the Colorado State Sheep Breeders Association and was an endowed member of the National Rifle Association. She competed for 30 years in the Trap and Bull's Eye Competition.

Her brother, J. Edwin Braum, and sister, Doris Anderson, preceded her in death. Elsie is survived by her friend, Margaret "Peg" Heimbrook, Ft Collins CO; two sisters, Marian Arledge, Vienna, VA, and Wava Skaggs, Boynton Beach, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

Elsie believed in the thoughts expressed in the Code of the West by James P. Owen and wanted to share them with others.

Live each day with courage;
Take pride in your work;
Always finish what you start;
Do what has to be done;
Be tough, but fair;
When you make a promise keep it;
Ride for the brand;
Talk less and say more;
Remember some things aren't for sale;
Know where to draw the line.

©2004 James P. Owen from his book, Cowboy Ethics


A Graveside Memorial Service will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2014, at the Denison Cemetery, Denison, KS. Elsie said "No contributions are necessary, save your money and put it to good use. The economy ain't straightened out yet."

Condolences may be sent to Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088 or posted online at mercerfuneralhomes.com.