Mary K. Brown

Mary Kathyren (Pilgrim) Brown, better known as “Kathy”, 80, of Grantville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at her home surrounded by loved ones after her 10-year journey with Dementia. Up until the end, Kathy maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty and love of family and friends.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband, Roy, son Russel (Dina), daughter Rhonda (Ian) and grandchildren Payke, Tucker, Lakin, Tabor, Hannah and Haylee as well as her sister Patricia.

She was preceded in death by her son Rodney, her parents Gus and Eunice Pilgrim and sister Shirley Dick.

Kathy was born in Rock Island, Illinois to Gus and Eunice Pilgrim. She met the love of her life while attending Perry High School. Her and Roy both graduated in 1963. Soon after, she began working at Aristo foods. Kathy also spent many years working for Kriz Davis before retiring from Westar Energy in 2002.

Kathy married Roy Brown on July 10th, 1965. Their journey over the next 60 years was filled with spending countless hours with friends camping, playing cards, having garage sales and so, so many laughs and priceless memories. They truly have a love that is unmatched. They were blessed with 3 children: Rodney, Russel and Rhonda. Being a mother, and later a “Grammy”, was Kathy’s greatest joy and her legacy will live on through not only her family but all those that were blessed to be in her presence

Kathy was a kind, gentle soul that found joy in helping literally everyone around her. She loved to decorate her house, the church, weddings and anything else that came to her in a ‘vision’. Kathy will be remembered for her amazing home-cooked meals, hugs, orneriness, pure enjoyment of music and dancing along with her positive, encouraging personality. She absolutely lit up every room and brought smiles to faces she knew as well as anyone she encountered that she just thought could use a smile.

The family will have a visitation on Thursday, May 29th from 6-8pm at the Grantville United Methodist Church. Funeral service will be Friday, May 30th at 10:30 am also at the Grantville United Methodist church followed by burial at the Grantville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or to Grantville United Methodist Church to be used for the Blessing Box Ministry at the church.