Mary M. Brown

Mary M. (White) Brown passed away June 23, 2010 after a brave battle with Alzheimer's. She was born to George Sr. and Ruth Ragsdale, June 10, 1937; one of six children. She attended school in Topeka and was a life long resident.

She married Bert White on March 24, 1956; he preceded her in death on January 14, 1992. Mary retired from Security Benefit after 27 years of service. She was known for her friendly, cheerful smiles and everyone considered her a friend. Prior to her illness, she was an active volunteer for the American Legion Post 400, which included being the vocalist for the annual Memorial Services.

Mary later married Harold M. Brown on July 2, 1997, he survives. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Frankie Ragsdale, George Ragsdale, Jr., Wichita, Hilton Ragsdale, Topeka, Herbert Ragsdale, Topeka and one sister, Frieda Porting, Hutchinson. She is survived by her children, Chris White, Scranton, Mark (Tracy) White, Carbondale, Byron (Gigi) White, Topeka, and Kathy (Bob) Mitchell, Girard; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. Other survivors include the children of Harold Brown; Lori (Keith) Rogers, Wes (Belinda) Brown, Ron (Evalyn) Brown; Richard (Elaine) Brown, Sandy (Doug) Moore, Randy (Glen) Bartlett, Jeff (Robin) Osburn.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 28, 2010 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka 66604. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Mary will lie in state after 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 27, 2010 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel; family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Dr., Suite LL-15, Topeka 66604 .