Mary Rose Brown

April 1, 1926 – May 13, 2026

 

Mary Rose Brown, 100 years young, moved to her eternal life with Jesus Christ on May 13, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones.

 

Mary Rose was born on a farm near Alden, Iowa to Lloyd and Fern (Dougan) Bailey.

She told many stories of growing up on the farm and moving to Iowa Falls after her father passed away.  Mary Rose graduated from Iowa Falls High School and Ellsworth College and attended Iowa State Teacher’s College.

 

Mary Rose and Bert Brown were married for nearly 70 years when Bert passed away in 2015.  Together they raised their children:  Douglas Charles Brown, Margaret Ann (Peggy) Studer, Patricia Brown Holden, and David Bertrand Brown.

 

Mary Rose was grateful to God for her family which included her sons-in-law and daughter-in-law:  Ron Evert, Bruce Holden, Marge Brown, and Bob Studer (deceased).  Her grandchildren:  Todd Studer, Rusty Studer, Bob Studer’s children (Brian Studer, Anne Schipper, Joe Studer, Ray Studer, Peg R Stusen), Mary Elise Klopfenstein, Sarah Emily Baxter, Brian Holden, Tori Rose Brown-Leslie, and Eric David Brown and their spouses:  Jeremy Klopfenstein, Ben Baxter, Savannah Holden, Ian Brown-Leslie, and Holly Brown.   Mary Rose was exceptionally proud of her great grandchildren:  Madison Studer; Chloe and Timmy Studer; Levi, Lex, and Lawson Klopfenstein; Ellie, Lucy, Bentley, Finnian, and Maxwell Baxter; Noah Brown and Serenity Poarch; Miranda Rae and Sarabella Stusen; Amanda Dix and Kyle Schipper.

 

Momma/Grandma/Grandma Great made each member of her family her favorite. Everyone knew they were loved beyond measure.  As well as the many adults whom she said she wanted to adopt and were the recipients of her encouragement and joy.

 

Mary Rose said, “The man upstairs has a purpose for my life.”  She lived her purpose – to spread JOY to everyone she met thanking, encouraging, and complimenting each person who entered her life.

 

Mary Rose gave to others in every aspect of her life:  teaching in country school and first grade at Williams, Ackley and Popejoy; serving as district president of American Legion Auxiliary, being a Girl Scout leader; helping with the thrift store and serving at St. Mark’s; preparing income taxes first at Nissly & Nissly and then from her home; serving on the County Democratic committee; volunteering in multiple campaigns; meeting and, hosting presidents, president’s wives, and candidates; helping her husband by collecting names for the Veteran’s Memorial in Iowa Falls; helping her husband place flag poles in many front yards around Iowa Falls and many more ways she served.  She was most proud of her travels across the country with AARP on the get-out-the-vote initiative.

 

A private mass will be followed by a private burial service.

 

Mary Rose’s 100 years were full.  There are many more stories to tell.  All are welcome to join us for a Celebration of Life Service with Pastor T.J. Norman officiating, on Monday, May 18th 3:00 PM at one of Mary Rose’s favorite places, the Iowa Falls Boat Club.

Memorials may be directed to:  Barlow Memorial Library, 921 Washington Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa, 50126.

Linn's Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa, 50126, is assisting the family with arrangements.