Kathy Lynn Brown
February 15, 2021
Kathy Lynn Brown, 76, passed away February 15, 2021 after an 8-year courageous battle with cancer. A live-streamed service will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. The link can be found at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com below Kathy’s obituary.
Kathy was born October 31, 1944 in Hutchinson, KS to Ann (Ford) and Lloyd Artley. She graduated from Mt. Hope High School and then attended Wichita State University majoring in music. It is there that she met her future husband, Duane Brown. The couple married in 1967 and moved to Iowa in 1979.
Kathy’s passion was music. She sang all of her life and was a member of church choirs since 1949. In her own words, “life was good because of my caring parents that raised me, a sister that watched over me, a husband that made me whole, and a daughter that gave me joy daily.” This combined with the many friends she had made living a wonderful experience. Kathy loved helping people and never went to sleep without being thankful for something good that happened that day. She taught music to elementary children for 10-years and was the Clive Elementary secretary for 22 years in the West Des Moines School District until her retirement in 2006. She belonged to 4H, EHU Ladies Auxillary, 9 churches, and was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Care Ministry. Kathy so loved God’s world.
Left to cherish Kathy’s memory is her daughter, Shannon Brown; sister, Betty Williams; brother-in-law, Loren Brown; cousins, Sydney (Joe) Wilson; special friends, Bob and Barb Drustrup and their children, David (Nidia) Drustrup and Rebecca (Lee) Roe; her 2nd daughter, Jennifer Brissey; and her pup, Simon.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Duane.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Prayer Garden or Fine Arts at St. Mark Lutheran Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Memorial Service
Crys and Kim Messer
02/20/2021
Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.
Kathy will be greatly missed!
Jan Hutchison
02/19/2021
Dear Shannon, The loss of a mother is so difficult. May your loving memories help your through your grieving. Kathy was a ray of sunshine at Clive Elementary School. She was the heart and soul, the go to person, the problem solver, and the organizer of all chaos. I loved her support in all the arts, her kindness/love to each and every student and staff member, her broad smile and her positivity. She will be missed. 🙏 and 💕
Vicki Hertko
02/19/2021
It is hard to think about Kathy in any other way but the most compassionate person Ive ever known. Her smile and kindness made everyone she was in contact with smile and gave them a better day. Her talent and her contribution along with Shannons added such beauty to St Mark special events like the annual advent by candlelight. Kathy loved her church and especially Christmas and opportunities to share her love. She will be missed by so many. She made all of our lives better.
Norman abs Paula Brown
02/19/2021
Shannon,
God never leaves our loved ones long enough for us. But ur mom was such an influence on so many lives!
The Brown Family has lost an Angel.
My husband was so close to ur Dad years ago !
He knows how happy ur folks are to reunite!
Please know that we r here to be a support to u !
God Bless Little one!!!
We love u.
Ur cousins Norman and Paula Brown
Dr. O
02/19/2021
Shannon and family, Kathy was THE face and heart of Clive Elementary School. She knew and welcomed every student and family. She was a huge advocate for those who needed extra support! Her legacy will live on forever in WDMCS! Heaven has a new angel in the choir. Peace and caring to al of you. Les and Barbara
Charles Lauritsen
02/19/2021
Shannon, Family & Friends,
I wanted to express my condolences to you all on the passing of Kathy. I will always remember her as the go to leader at Clive School. If a parent (like me) needed to know how to get help from the right person, she was the one we could depend on for direction. I will always remember her happy nature and commitment to her work. She and Duane shared that desire for excellence in education. I will always cherish how she looked out for my kids while they were at Clive. I know there is peace in heaven for her.
Stay strong and safe,
Chuck Lauritsen VHS
Nabil and Judy Chamat
02/19/2021
Dear Shannon, Betty, and the Drustrup Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you in Kathys passing. We knew her as the welcoming smile of Clive Elementary. Our entire family was fortunate to see her at the 2019 Festival of Trees; of course, she called us by name and her smile brought back happy memories of Clive Elementary. We will always remember Kathy and Duane; they were both such beautiful people. May the happy memories of your times together carry you through the days ahead.
Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time.
-Goethe.
Our deepest sympathy to you all,
Nabil, Judy, and Natalie Chamat/Costa Chamat and Family
The Isley Family
02/18/2021
Kathy and her bright smile were the face of Clive School. She was often the first one to greet kids and guests. She knew all the kids and their parents! Our sympathy and prayers to all who knew and loved her.
Jo Richards
02/18/2021
Shannon, I was saddened to hear that Kathy passed away. It was truly a pleasure knowing and working with her (and Duane). Remembering your wonderful mother and wishing you comfort.
Diane Breckenridge
02/18/2021
My sympathy to you in Kathys passing. I remember her positive attitude and constant smile. She and Duane were such positive members of the WDM Schools. God bless.
Paula Johnson
02/18/2021
Sending healing and caring thoughts to all the family.
DAWN SCHISSEL
02/18/2021
I truly enjoyed Kathy. She was a wonderful, caring person who brought sunshine into every room. I will miss her. Praying for you, Shannon.
Mary Ellen Lesher
02/17/2021
Dear Shannnon, I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. It was always a happy time to see the two of you out and about together. You were a great Mom and Daughter team. I spent some time going through my hymnal this evening reading some hymns I thought Kathy might have enjoyed singing. One had these thoughts: Though He giveth or He taketh, God his children ne'er forsaketh. His the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy.
Your Mom's love and spirit will live in your heart always, my dear. God's Peace, Mary Ellen
Heidi Zwick
02/17/2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Mr. and Mrs. Brown from Clive Elementary. I left Clive as a sixth grader in 1993. In 2006, my sister and I stopped by because we wanted to check out the remodel. We walked in the front office and Mrs. Brown greeted us both by name, without hesitation. She was such a kind woman who always made you feel welcome.
Jean Lynch
02/17/2021
Shannon, I was saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Kathy was a wonderful and kind person. Her caring ways and positive attitude were contagious. Cherish the many fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you.