Elsie R. Brown

Elsie R. Brown, 90, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2011. She was born July 10, 1921 in Redvale, CO, the daughter of Charles Errett and Helen (Scott) Ross.
Elsie was raised in Redvale and graduated from Western State College in 1943 with a Bachelor's degree in English. After graduation, she worked for the college in Gunnison until marrying her childhood sweetheart, Joseph B. Brown in 1949. They lived and raised their family in the Denver area from 1949 until moving to Topeka in 1998. Elsie was an active volunteer in the United Nations Association and the League of Women Voters while in Colorado. In Topeka, she volunteered for 10 years at Whitson Elementary School where she taught first grade children to read and she delighted in their love and learning. She was also active in the Esther Group at West Side Christian Church.
Elsie is survived by her husband of over 62 years, Joseph; son, Tim (Anita) Brown and their family, Brian (Bree), David and Cassie; daughter, Melinda (Bill) Donovan and their family, Rosie (Pat) and great-grandchild Maisie Rourke, Kerry (Spencer) Norton, Chuck Donovan; daughter, Eva (Lynn) Curtis and their family, Lucy and Leah Curtis, Alex (Becca) Jamrozek, great-grandbaby Brandon; and sister, Lela Ala. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charles Ross.
As were her wishes, Elsie will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 31st at West Side Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave., Topeka, KS 66606. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Whitson Elementary School Media Center, 1725 SW Arnold Ave., Topeka, KS.