Anne Brown

Anne Brown, 79, of Tekoa, Wash., passed to her heavenly home on Friday, March 20, 2020, at the Hospice House of Spokane.

She was born July 9, 1940, in Spokane, Wash., the only child of Raymond E. and Hannah (Fisher) Parrish. She was raised in the Lutheran Church and made a personal decision to follow Christ in 1961. It was a decision that came with ups and downs, but greatly shaped her outlook on life and gave her compassion for others.

She was raised in Farmington, Wash., where she met the handsome bachelor, Jack Brown, when he rented a house across the street from her family. They were married in 1956, and raised four children: Raymond (Kathleen) Brown, Shelly (Mike) Ausmus, Sarah (Gary) Rhine, and Robin Brown.

After living a few years in Warden, Wash., and then Spokane when first married, the couple returned to Farmington where Jack worked as an accountant and farmhand. Anne was primarily a homemaker.

Anne was known for her sense of humor and for a love of old things. A collection of treadle sewing machines and of buttons led her to delve into antique-collecting of all sorts. It was a hobby she would continue all of her life.

As for her sense of humor, family and neighbors alike were subject to her practical jokes. Jack and the kids had to be on the alert on April Fool's Day, because she was likely to replace the lunch meat in their sandwiches with waxed paper. Once, a neighbor nearly suffered a heart incident, when Anne covered herself in a sheet and stood in the neighbor's window until noticed. She had a quick wit and snappy comeback for anyone who dared spar with her.

Anne was also known for her kindness and generosity. She hated to see people suffer and quietly went out of her way to aid friends, neighbors, and strangers alike who needed help and encouragement.

She was a dedicated homemaker and gardener and an avid reader. She always said she felt accomplished when the dishes were out of the sink and the laundry all washed, even if not folded. With four children, she had the opportunity to feel thus accomplished daily. With a green thumb, she caused house plants to thrive and created huge gardens that supplied the family with food to be preserved and enjoyed all year long. When it came to reading, once she started a book, she did not put it down, and prided herself on reading the Bible in its entirety within six months.

She worked for the Farmington State Bank for a short period of time and was employed by a local potato grower several years running. She packed birdseed for the Farmington Grain Growers and cleaned several Farmington area homes.

Jack passed away in February of 1996, just shy of their 40th wedding anniversary. Within the year, friends encouraged Leon Wolfe of Tekoa to pay her a visit. They were both smitten and the two have been together for 23 years. Anne and Leon shared a love of antiques and went into business with friends in Plummer. If not buying, selling, and fixing up old things, the two were seen cruising town and countryside in their Subaru. They loved "hunting" for deer and wild turkeys, and exploring the out-of-doors.

Anne is survived by her partner, Leon Wolfe; her four children; and her grandchildren: Cameron (Shae) Brown, Abby Brown, Molly (Josh) McNally, Sallie Ausmus, Mike Rhine, and Teri Perrigoue; as well as a number of great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who held her in high regard. She lived life with great zeal and will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer at a yet-to-be-determined day and location. Arrangements are being made by Kramer Funeral Home of Tekoa. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Palouse Country Assisted Living (Fairfield) or Hospice House of Spokane.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.kramercares.com.