Novella Kay Brown…September 23, 1938 – September 7, 2014

Novella Kay Brown, 75, of Chivington, Colorado, departed her life at 5:54 PM on September 07, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family. She was a surprise blessing, born on September 23, 1938 to her parents Chester Lee and Nela Womack in Eads, Colorado, as her brother Chet was 20 and her sister Maxine was 16. Her mother always reminded her that the reason she was born was to help her through life as her father departed his life when Kay was 11.

Prancing around in her shoes at a young age, she developed her lifelong passion for shoes. Her mother discovered that she was hiding her Sunday best shoes by the gate and wearing them to school, leaving her everyday shoes in attempt to not to be found by her mom.  In addition to shoes, she loved purses and her “bling bling”. She attended Eads schools and graduated in 1956 as an Eads Eagle.

Kay began dating Gilbert when she was in the 8^th grade. Kay wrote in her Bride’s Keepsake Book, “We never were introduced in a small school, everyone knows everyone else.  The first time we went together was after a school party in honor of the football team.  We were both very bashful and never talked to each other, but after a six month period we were going steady and we talked to one another occasionally.” These events led to Kay’s marriage to Gilbert Daniel Brown on June 12, 1955. Kay was a young bride of 16 years of age who was given away in marriage by her Uncle Art Hightower who spoiled her like she was his own. Her mom always said if it would have been anyone other than Gilbert, she would not have allowed her to marry so young.

Wrestling under the sheets with her country bumpkin, four children were brought into the world: Rodney Brown, Pamela Weirich, Kandae Reeder, and Terry Brown. In 1964 the family moved to Miton, Utah to operate a ranch in 9 mile canyon.  Two short years later, the family moved back to Colorado and built their forever home in Chivington, Colorado.

Besides being a devoted wife, mother, and nana, Kay worked various jobs including the school district as a bus driver, Wissel Dry Goods as a clerk, Eads Consumer Supply, Neoplan (15 years), Kiowa County Social Services (13 years), and as MaryKay consultant.  She retired at the age of 70.

Kay, with her fiery spirit, enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren by attending every activity she could. Being the adventurous, fun-loving nana she was, she enjoyed many firsts with her grandkids and great grandkids: e.g. births, weddings, train rides, vacation adventures, selecting special occasion clothes, make-up tutorials, gator rides, shopping, and square dancing. She always had a listening ear and took many secrets with her.  Technology fostered her relationships with family near and far, as Kay kept in touch with family and friends via Facebook and texting.

Kay took joy by starting and ending each day by caring and loving her many animals. A plaque hung over her sink that said, “Please remember: my pets live here and you are a guest.”  She also spent time sewing, crocheting, and reading.

Kay was a long-time member of the Chivington Friends Church. She was known to have read the Bible from cover to cover numerous times.  It is comforting to the family to know that she is in heaven praising her Lord and Savior.

After surviving cancer, Kay suffered a stroke on May 13, 2014. Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Nela Womack; brother, Chet Womack (Evelyn), and sister, Maxine Weber (Leander).

Kay is survived by her husband, Gilbert Brown, of Chivington; sons Rodney Brown (Dana) and Terry Brown (Lana), two daughters Pamela Weirich (Jerry) and Kandae Reeder (Dave); 8 grandchildren, Kylie Hager (Brad), Desiree Howland (Trent), Kari Harr (Brad), Heidi McEwen (J.D.), Jason Weirich (Megan), Dustyn Reeder (Kara), Brennan Reeder (Micah) and Whitney Reeder; 13 great grandchildren, Sydnee Howland, McKenzie Hager, Sierra Howland, Masyn Hager, Bailey McEwen, Skyla Harr, Kelsi Harr, John Wayne Weirich, Piper McEwen, Taylor Reeder, Jase Weirich, Tycely Reeder, and Peyton Reeder; and beloved dog,Sadie.

Funeral services were held on Saturday September 13, 2014 at the Chivington Friends Church with Pastors Galen Burnett and Donald Brown officiating. Kay’s nieces Jill Slatten and Joy Lujan were the vocalists for the service. Final committal services followed in the Eads Cemetery.

Visitation and funeral services were entrusted to the care of the Brown Funeral Home in Eads. Friends and family can register online condolences and sign the guest book at www.brownfuneraldirectors.com.