Obituary for Dorothy Lucille Brown (Luce)
Dorothy Lucille (Luce) Brown, daughter of Milton and Carrie (Bullock) Luce was born on August 16, 1928 in Hays, Kansas and passed away in Bonner Springs, Kansas on July 21, 2020 at the age of 91.
Dorothy grew up in Collyer, Kansas, the youngest of five children. She helped her dad run a grain elevator, cared for her invalid mother, and played piano for social, school, and church events. She attended Fort Hays State College where she met Roger R. Brown, her lifelong love. They were married on August 14, 1950.
The young couple lived in Baltimore, Maryland, St. Louis, Missouri and Quinter, Kansas before settling in Norton, Kansas to raise their family. Dorothy worked as a homemaker and a secretary. She was her husband and children’s biggest supporter in all their activities, an avid bridge player, and a cheerful church worker. Roger’s untimely and unexpected death on June 9, 1984 saw her begin new careers. She owned and operated a small gift shop in her home called Boughs and Bows where she created many of the things she sold. And she became a sales representative for the Enesco Corporation. Her territory included all of western Kansas. Mrs. B. drove countless miles and made friends everywhere she went. She became fearless in taking customers to big vendor shows in Kansas City and Chicago and happily worked until the age of 70 winning sales awards every year.
Dorothy was a lifelong Methodist, a 50 year member and past president of Chapter AA, P.E.O. in Norton, a member of the Norton VFW, and the Norton cemetery committee. Her favorite titles, however, were Mom, Grandma, and Grandma B. She loved with all her heart and that love was returned ten-fold. She laughed often and never wanted to sit on the outside looking in. She was a vital part of her family’s lives and all they have done. Many delighted in calling her sister, aunt, or friend.
Survivors include one son, Brad (Kristi) Brown, Georgetown, TX; three daughters, Judy Anderson, Bonner Springs, KS; Cindy (Steve) Fowler, Sterling, CO; Jan Charles, Holton, KS; seven grandchildren, Kyle (Meredith) Brown; Joel (Danielle) Brown; Erica Anderson ( Jayson Smith); Ben (Dani) Fowler; Chad (Megan) Fowler; Nikki (Austin) Rash; Brady Charles; twelve great grandchildren, Brienn, Corland, London, and Knox Brown; Kaleb, Emily, Cael, Maycee, and Reid Fowler; Ava, Alexa, and Bennett Rash; one sister-in-law, Imogene Luce; many nieces, nephews, and friends of all ages.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Harvey, Lyle, and Eugene Luce and Louise Holl; her husband; her son-in-law, Mike Anderson; and her grandson, Adam Anderson.
Family graveside services will be held in Norton when all are able to gather safely. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Roger and Dorothy Brown Scholarship at Fort Hays State University in care of Alden- Harrington Funeral Home, 214 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
Dorothy grew up in Collyer, Kansas, the youngest of five children. She helped her dad run a grain elevator, cared for her invalid mother, and played piano for social, school, and church events. She attended Fort Hays State College where she met Roger R. Brown, her lifelong love. They were married on August 14, 1950.
The young couple lived in Baltimore, Maryland, St. Louis, Missouri and Quinter, Kansas before settling in Norton, Kansas to raise their family. Dorothy worked as a homemaker and a secretary. She was her husband and children’s biggest supporter in all their activities, an avid bridge player, and a cheerful church worker. Roger’s untimely and unexpected death on June 9, 1984 saw her begin new careers. She owned and operated a small gift shop in her home called Boughs and Bows where she created many of the things she sold. And she became a sales representative for the Enesco Corporation. Her territory included all of western Kansas. Mrs. B. drove countless miles and made friends everywhere she went. She became fearless in taking customers to big vendor shows in Kansas City and Chicago and happily worked until the age of 70 winning sales awards every year.
Dorothy was a lifelong Methodist, a 50 year member and past president of Chapter AA, P.E.O. in Norton, a member of the Norton VFW, and the Norton cemetery committee. Her favorite titles, however, were Mom, Grandma, and Grandma B. She loved with all her heart and that love was returned ten-fold. She laughed often and never wanted to sit on the outside looking in. She was a vital part of her family’s lives and all they have done. Many delighted in calling her sister, aunt, or friend.
Survivors include one son, Brad (Kristi) Brown, Georgetown, TX; three daughters, Judy Anderson, Bonner Springs, KS; Cindy (Steve) Fowler, Sterling, CO; Jan Charles, Holton, KS; seven grandchildren, Kyle (Meredith) Brown; Joel (Danielle) Brown; Erica Anderson ( Jayson Smith); Ben (Dani) Fowler; Chad (Megan) Fowler; Nikki (Austin) Rash; Brady Charles; twelve great grandchildren, Brienn, Corland, London, and Knox Brown; Kaleb, Emily, Cael, Maycee, and Reid Fowler; Ava, Alexa, and Bennett Rash; one sister-in-law, Imogene Luce; many nieces, nephews, and friends of all ages.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Harvey, Lyle, and Eugene Luce and Louise Holl; her husband; her son-in-law, Mike Anderson; and her grandson, Adam Anderson.
Family graveside services will be held in Norton when all are able to gather safely. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Roger and Dorothy Brown Scholarship at Fort Hays State University in care of Alden- Harrington Funeral Home, 214 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012