Ella L. Brown, 95, of Olathe, Kansas, formerly of Lexington, Nebraska, died Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas.
She was born November 8, 1915, the youngest of five children to James and Bessie (Howard) Pickering at Lexington. She graduated from Lexington High School 1933. She married Don E. Brown on October 13th in Lexington the same year and they started their married life in Lexington. Soon, they became a sales team for Wear-Ever Cookware, preparing Wear-Ever-cooked meals in homes across the state and beyond. WWII ended that sales effort and Ella returned to Lexington with her son, Tim, as Don joined the Army.
After the war, the family remained in Lexington. In the mid-50’s she became the receptionist/bookkeeper for the Nebraska Natural Gas Company, a position she held for more than 15 years. Later, she worked as a librarian at the Lexington Public Library. Her unusual attention to detail made her perfectly suited for both positions.
She was active in Lexington’s First Presbyterian Church, serving on many voluntary committees and as co-chairman for the Mariner’s Club for two separate terms. She was an active participant in many community activities, ranging from duties as a Cub Scout den mother, to the PTA, to membership in Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed couples’ dance clubs and bridge clubs throughout her adult life in Lexington.
After suffering a stroke in 2003, Ella moved to Olathe, Kansas to live near her son. She remained there, living at an assisted living facility, until her death.
Ella is survived by her son, Tim and his wife, Barbara Brown of Overland Park, Kansas.
Two granddaughters and their spouses and children: Heather and John Henstock and their daughter, Tess, of Chicago, Illinois and Megan and Darren Brown and their children, Lainey and Spencer of Gardner, Kansas.
She is also survived by nieces, nephews,cousins, other relatives and friends.
Ella was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don in 1995; one brother, Howard Pickering; and three sisters, Edith Andersen, Harriette Furry and Irene Swanson.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Matt Coplen officiating.
Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.
There will be no visitation.
Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
