Ina Mae Brown

Ina Mae Brown, age 97, of Ash Grove, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on November 15, 1926, in Polk County, Missouri, to Sidney and Routh (Smith) Rowin. 

On November 2, 1942, Ina married Lloyd Brown, and together they shared over 41 beautiful years before Lloyd’s passing in 1984.

A lifelong area resident, Ina spent 28 dedicated years working at St. John’s Hospital. She was a devoted member of Pilgrims Rest Church for many years and later joined Eudora Baptist, where her deep faith and love for the Lord were well-known. 

Ina’s life was a testament to her faith; she was a true prayer warrior, known to pray at any time, day or night, often heard praying to God for her family. She prayed fervently for the salvation of each family member, as her greatest desire was to be reunited with all of them in heaven. 

Ina found joy in the simple things in life, including working on her family’s farm. She was known for her ability to wring the necks of two chickens at once, much to the amazement of her children, grandchildren, and friends. 

She shared a love of flowers and gardening with her late husband, Lloyd. Her happiest moments were often spent with a grandbaby on her lap and a beloved dog or cat by her side. Her famous angel food cake and homemade Christmas candy became cherished memories for her grandchildren, who often requested them.

Ina’s sharp mind and strong memory stayed with her through the years. Ina loved watching Wheel of Fortune and had a knack for solving puzzles, much to the delight of her family. She took pride in remembering all the birthdays of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. On these special days, she would pray for them, celebrating their lives and lifting them up to the Lord.

She will be remembered for her unconditional love, unwavering faith and the countless prayers for those she held dear.

Ina is survived by her children: Marcella Carmichael; Marjorie Rhyne; David Brown and wife, Kay; Dale Brown and wife, Nancy; and Gail Steelman and husband, Jerry. 

She leaves behind 29 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great and great-great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends who will dearly miss her.

Ina was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Routh Rowin; her husband, Lloyd Brown; grandchildren, Ellina Fitzgerald and Lloyd Eugene Henry; great-grandsons Justin Woods and Eugene Wayne Henry; her brother, Raymond Rowin; her sister, Juanita Hayes; and sons-in-law, Larry Rhyne and Harry Carmichael.

Visitation was held from noon until service time on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home in Ash Grove. Funeral services began at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Johns Chapel Cemetery in Ash Grove.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Johns Chapel Cemetery and left with the funeral home