Ruby Brown

(From Parker Mortuary)

Ruby Frances Brown, age 85, of Duenweg, MO passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Saint Luke’s Nursing Center.

Ruby was born on January 29, 1940 in Fort Scott, KS to the late union of Charles and Leota (McVey) Large. She was a 1958 graduate of Fort Scott High School. 

After High School, she married her High School sweetheart, Gary Brown, on January 25, 1959 in Fort Scott, KS. Together they were blessed with 46 years before his passing on March 15, 2005. 

She worked for Ozark National Life Insurance Company as an insurance agent for nearly 24 years. She also was an active member of Church of the Nazarene in Carthage and served as the Craft Director for Vacation Bible School and taught children’s Sunday School. She helped sponsor a child through the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for several years. Gary and Ruby served as foster parents for Jasper and Newton County throughout their marriage. She enjoyed shopping, sewing, gardening, cooking and traveling in her spare time. Ruby was also an active member in the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. 

She loved most of all spending time with her grandchildren and making flower arrangements for friends and family. Ruby had a heart of gold and it didn’t matter if she had known you for 5 minutes or 5 years, she treated you like you were her own family member.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruby was preceded in death by her son, Garrett Brown; and one brother, Merle Large.

Ruby is survived by her four children, Wm. Bradlee Brown and wife, Serena, Laurie Shellenbarger and husband, Mitch, Christopher Brown and wife, Mary and Patrick Brown and wife, Vicki; 12 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made out to the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Carthage Church of the Nazarene with the funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Brad Hunt officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS with Bradlee Brown, Patrick Brown, Joshua Brown, Zachariah Brown, Brandon Brown and Carter Moser serving as pallbearers and Miles Moser and Miana Brown as honorary pallbearers.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.