Betty Rae Brown

Betty Rae (Farmer) Brown, 79, of Kirksville, MO passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the University of Iowa hospital in Iowa City, IA.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, IA.

Following the service, a graveside service will be held at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Malcom, IA.

Memorials may be made payable to Life Church School, mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Betty was born on July 12, 1946, in Grinnell, IA to John Norman "Lewis" and Lucille Mildred (Johnson) Farmer. She was raised in Montezuma and graduated with the class of 1964. After high school she went on to Cosmetology school.

On July 2, 1971, Betty was united in marriage to Marion E. Brown in Newton, IA. The couple had two children together, Victoria Lynette Brown born on October 21, 1976, and Matthew Marion Brown on September 8, 1978.

Betty had an impressive work ethic her entire life. Early in her career, she wore many hats as a small business owner and manager in the cosmetology industry. Later in life, after raising her children, Betty worked at the Vernon Company for 15 years until retirement in 2003. Betty was also very involved in the lives of her family and children, serving as the PTO president and spending countless evenings and weekends at sporting events and various extracurricular activities.

Most importantly, Betty was defined by her warm heart, generous spirit, loving acts, great sense of humor, and infectious laugh. Her family remembers her as a best friend, a strong mentor, and someone whose love knew no bounds. Betty's strong Chrisitan faith served as her foundation. She studied God's Word and faithfully attended church, most recently immersing herself in the community at Life Church of Kirksville, MO. Betty was an excellent cook, an even better baker, and she enjoyed holiday time when her skills in the kitchen could be put on display. She also enjoyed crocheting, crafting, and decorating. Her family was very important to her, and she cherished the love they shared. Some of her favorite memories involve sharing life with her husband. Betty and Marion had many adventures, including time in New Mexico and a cross-country motorhome trip. Betty also loved big family dinners and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Marion Brown of Kirksville, MO, her children, Victoria Brown of Newton, IA, and Matthew (Shelley) Brown of Parker, CO, and her grandchildren, Josie (Juan Angel) Matteson of New York, NY, Jackson Matteson of Duluth, MN, Jayda Matteson of Marshalltown, IA, Olivia Brown of Parker, CO, Caroline Brown of Parker, CO and Madelyn Dufford of Parker, CO.

She is preceded by her father, Lewis Farmer, mother, Lucille Farmer, brother, Norman Farmer, sisters-in-law, Stephanie (Crawford) Farmer and Joann Dearinger, brother-in-law, Carl Brown, mother-in-law, Doris Brown, father-in-law, Louis Brown, and nephews, Tim Brown and Kyle Johnson.