BROWN, Rita Mary

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, AZ Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Rita Mary Seeley Bortle Brown (1915-2011) Rita Mary Seeley Bortle Brown was born April 17, 1915 in Tacoma, Washington to Nathan Bortle and Mary Seeley. She went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2011 in Camp Verde, Arizona. She is survived by ten of her children, Opal Boyd Nielson, Pearl Lansing (Paul), Arlene Bartlett (John), Leland Brown (Marilyn), Dixie Wall, Melvin Brown (Pauline), Loren Brown (Pam), Willard Brown (Cathy), Elmona Stalnaker (Dennis), Joseph Brown (Stella); 65 grandchildren; 156 great grandchildren and 40 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Elmo Murray Mason Brown; her daughter, Patricia Sanford; two grandchildren, Scott Brown and Melinda Brown Chamberlain. Our mother’s legacy was, “If you want to do something bad enough, you can do it!” Se proved it by going to school with the senior class and graduating when she 49 years old. Then she went to college and became an LPN when she was 53 years old. She nursed elderly people (her contemporaries) for 20 years. She loved us all more than words can say. At Christmas she said “I don’t have any money to get anyone any gifts,” however she gave us all the most wonderful gift of all, her love. We all love her dearly and, she will be missed. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. Funeral services will be 1:00pm Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the chapel of Bueler Camp Verde Funeral Home, 143 W. Arnold Street, Camp Verde. She will be laid to rest in Washington State at a later date. Information provided by survivors.