Barbara Anne (Neifert) Brown, 87, of Grinnell, Kansas passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2023 at the Brookdale East Senior Care in Wichita, Kansas.  Barbara was born October 6th, 1935 to Herbert and Vera (Barnett) Neifert on the family farm west of Glen Elder, Kansas.  Barbara attended Granite Creek Country School and graduated from Glen Elder High School in 1953.  On April 10, 1955, Barbara married William (Bill) Brown at the Christian Church in Glen Elder.  Bill and Barb shared most of their 61 years of marriage together in Grinnell, Kansas.  Together they had 5 sons, Bill, Dave, Dana, Bradley, and Jerry.

Barbara adored all children, especially babies, and was the best mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and loving caregiver to all.  The Grinnell community was extremely important to her and felt like family.  She enjoyed talking with her family and friends, keeping up with their growing families and sharing stories, and was known to spark up a conversation with just about anyone.  Barbara's hobbies included painting, sewing, embroidery, gardening, cooking, listening to music (especially piano) bird watching, and most importantly, playing bridge!  She thoroughly enjoyed school and summer sporting events that her sons participated in.  Bill and Barb were faithful members of the Grinnell United Methodist Church.  She was also a member of Wheatland V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #2864, Grinnell, and the KSU Catbackers.

Once Bill retired, the two actively became very loyal Kansas State University Wildcat Football fans, or "Catbackers."  Bill and Barb held season tickets and rarely missed a K-State football game in Manhattan.  They also enjoyed traveling to bowl games including the Cotton Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl.  Their love for Memorial Stadium, Coach Bill Snyder, and "the boys" as Barb referred to them, were unwavering as Proud Wildcat Fans.

Barbara is survived by her 4 sons & their spouses:  William "Bill" Jr. (Diane) of Hays, KS, David (Kim) of Rose Hill, KS, Dana of Hurst, TX, Brad (B.J.) of Farmers Branch, TX; 4 grandchildren:  Staci (Rick) of Derby, KS, Eric of Columbus, IN, Cody (Allana) of Laramie, WY, Sierra (Dylan) of Oakley, KS; 3 great grandchildren:  Skyler of Rose Hill, KS, Paxton & Pheonyx of Derby, KS; her sister, Judy Rodell of Cawker City, KS; in-laws:  Loren (Jean) Brown of Bonner Springs, KS, Dorothy Brown of Topeka, KS, Kenny Osborne, as well as many nieces and nephews who have fond memories of their fun-loving Aunt Barb.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Brown (2016); her beloved son, Sgt. Jerry Dean Brown (1998); her parents, Herbert and Vera Neifert; brother Lowell Neifert and wife Joan; sisters:  Sally File and June Osborne; brother-in-laws:  Kendall Studer, Gary Albert, and Maynard Rodell; and in-laws: Richard Brown, Robert Brown, and Earlene Brown Dirickson.

Cremation has been chosen.  A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Grinnell with Pastor Missy Byerly officiating.  Inurnment services to follow at the Grinnell Township Cemetery where she was laid to rest beside Bill and Jerry.  An informal gathering followed at the Grinnell Senior Center.

Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, July 14th at the church.  Family will receive friends from 6 - 8 p.m.

Memorials to the Shriner's Hospital for Children and the Grinnell United Methodist Church may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS  67748.

Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com.