Brown, Marian Ruth 1928-2012

BROWN, JOHANSON, HOSKINS, GOODWIN

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/1/2021 at 06:45:58

Marian Ruth Brown
07 Feb 1928 ~ 14 Feb 2012
West Des Moines

Marian Ruth Brown, 84 of West Des Moines passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at Trinity Center at Luther Park. Private family services are planned with interment at Resthaven Cemetery. A memorial concert in celebration of Marian's life will be held at West Des Moines United Methodist Church at a later date.

Marian was born on February 7, 1928 at Bismarck, North Dakota, the daughter of James H. and Ruth J. (Johanson) Hoskins. Marian taught high school music in northern Minnesota before coming to Des Moines where she met her late husband, Ross L. Brown. She and Ross were married on June 13, 1953. Her degree study included a B.S. from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Music Education from Drake University. She studied organ for many years with the late Frank B. Jordan, Dean Emeritus, Drake University. She served as organist at area churches for 45 years, the last 33 of which as full-time organist at West Des Moines United Methodist Church where she and Ross were members. She also taught piano to hundreds of students over more than 40 years.

She was a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority, Treble Clef Music Club, La Sertoma, American Guild of Organists, and United Methodist Women.

Marian is survived by sons David J. Brown (Julie) of West Des Moines, Ross Goodwin-Brown (Alice) of Amherst, MA and five grandchildren; Hannah Goodwin-Brown, Vera Goodwin-Brown, Ross H. Brown, Keegan H. Brown and Chase H. Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband Ross, daughter Holly M. Brown, brother John H. Hoskins, and sister Janet E. Hoskins. Memorials may be directed to the West Des Moines United Methodist Church or Care Initiatives Hospice. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register, 17 Feb 2012.