Carmen Bratten

Carmen Joan, daughter of Carl and Mable (Bayless) Wilkenson wan born on June 1, 1927 at Omaha, NE. She lived with her family in Omaha where she graduated from High School and took some nursing classes. Carmen was united in marriage with Richard de la Vega and they raised three children. She continued to live in Omaha until her marriage on May 1, 1976 with Lee Bratten at First United Methodist Church in Carroll. They made their home in Carroll until they moved to San Diego in 1985. Shortly after moving to San Diego, Carmen's health began to fail and she was paralyzed for the remainder of her life. Earlier in her life when she was able, Carmen enjoyed singing in a large choir and dancing. Throughout her life her Christian faith sustained her. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in San Diego. Lee passed away December 20, 2007 and Carmen continued to live in San Diego. Carmen passed away at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego on February 25, 2011 at the age of 83 years. Preceding Carmen in death are her parents; husbands; daughter Roseann de la Vega at age 18 years; son Daniel de la Vega and a brother in infancy. She is survived by her daughter Mary and husband Dennis Rice of Rockport, MO; three grandchildren Jason Moser; Kyle Rice and Austin Rice; four great-grandchildren Dominick, Kameron, Ashton and Landon Moser and many friends and caregivers in San Diego.