Helen J. Brown, 88, formerly of Batavia, died at 9:10 p.m. October 19, 2023 at Vista Woods Care Center.
She was born December 2, 1934 in Monroe County, IA to Lewis W. and Hilda F. Worrell Hanes. Helen married Harold L. Brown on June 26, 1965 in Glenwood, MO and he preceded her in death on March 26, 2003.
Helen was a graduate of Moulton High School. She was a homemaker and helped her husband farm. Helen and her husband were foster parents for 15 years.
She had been a member of Arbor Vitae Chapter #327 Order of Eastern Star. Helen was a member of a Literary Guild in Batavia, she also enjoyed the travel programs at Liberty Savings Bank and participating in aqua aerobics at the YMCA. She enjoyed gardening.
Surviving are her children, George P. (fiancée Cara) Brown of Ottumwa, Richard L. Brown of Eldon, Alan L. (Kelly) Brown of Ottumwa, Ronald L. Brown of Ottumwa and Rita (Clay) Harris of Fairfield; 10 grandchildren, Arron Brown, Allison Gillies, Lewis Brown, Wesley Harris, Amy Harris, Tyler Brown, Makayla Brown, Christopher Peterson, Triston Brown and Hope Brammer; 4 great-grandchildren, Skyler Brown, Griffin Brown, Sammy Gillies and Jacob Gillies.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Carl “LeVaughn” Hanes, Glen Hanes and infant Warren Hanes.
Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Monday, October 23rd at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 24th at Reece Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Batavia Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cardinal FFA Program.
