Ruby Brown, 92, passed away April 17, 2024, at Aster Estates, Great Bend, Kansas. She was born February 27, 1932, in Protection, Kansas, to Harry and Emma (Reich) Schultz. On August 25, 1954, she married LaVern L. Brown in Ashland, Kansas. He passed on January 29, 2020.
A resident of Great Bend since 1965, Ruby previously lived in Liberal and Protection. She worked as a cosmetology instructor at Barton County Academy of Beauty from 1965-1980, then at Barton Community College for 18 years, before her retirement in August 1998. Along with that career, she owned and operated L&R Oil alongside her husband. Ruby was a member of Prince of Peace Parish – St Patrick Catholic Church. She enjoyed working out at Club 1 Fitness, attending Golden Belt Community Concerts, watching sports – especially KU volleyball and basketball, and keeping up with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include son, Tom Brown and wife Shari of Great Bend; daughter, Pamela Bechard and husband Raymond of Lawrence; two grandchildren, Ashley Henkelman and husband Erik, and Brennan Bechard and wife Danielle; six great grandchildren, Evie, Hutch, Mason Jane, Lucy, Mack and Bo; and brother, Roy Schultz of Waxahachie, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; four brothers, Joe, Virgil, Elmer, and Robert Schultz; and five sisters, Gladys Schultz, Osie Danielson, Viola Hazen, Luella Stutzman, and Goldie Anderson.
Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, with Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m., family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Vigil at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Bob Schremmer presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Holy Family School Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS, 67530.