Gertrude Brown

Obituary



Gertrude Mae (Tholen) Brown age 100, of Hays, Kansas died Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas.

She was born in Topeka, Kansas on March 7th, 1922, to Anton and Anna (Muehlenkamp) Tholen. She spent most of her childhood in Oakley, Kansas and graduated from Windhorst High School. She married Noah Brown on October 7th, 1945, in Salina, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 15, 1985.

Gertrude owned and operated The Rose Beauty Shop out of the home while she and Noah raised their family in Hays. She had a green thumb, so there was always a bountiful vegetable garden, flowers blooming and a unique collection of houseplants at her home. Gertrude could sew, knit and crochet skillfully, but her passion was quilting. Every baby in the family slept under a crib quilt and received larger quilts as adults. She won many ribbons at the county and state fairs for her beautiful creations.

A devout Catholic, Gertrude was a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church and a former member of the Christian Mothers, both of Hays. She donated her quilts to the church to benefit a home for unwed mothers and for auction to benefit the Altar Society.

After her children were grown, Gertrude continued working in her salon, gardening, sewing and always made room for her grandchildren in her home. After retiring in 1994 she became an avid reader and continued her other hobbies as well. In 2020, Gertrude moved to Topeka and spent her remaining years being cared for by her daughter, Janice.

Gertrude is survived by her children: Janice Kleinschmidt, Topeka, KS; Joe (Amy) Brown, Topeka KS; Sam (Linda) Brown, Hays, KS; Ed Brown, Hays, KS; Steve (Helen) Brown, Hays KS; her nine grandchildren: Treasa Jenson; Gene (Chris) Kleinschmidt; Laurie Brown; Lisa Green; Amanda Cooper; Aaron Brown; Sandy (Chris) Viegra; Jeff (Samantha) Brady; Josh (Kathy) Keil; Janice (Mark) Brown; Elizabeth (Jeff) Brown; her 19 great-grandchildren, and her19 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Del Tholen, Oregon; Dorothy Tholen, Topeka KS; along with many nieces, nephews and other loved ones.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Noah; her infant daughter, Mary; her siblings; Edward Tholen, killed in the Battle of Normandy; Margaret (John) Interman; Martha (Henry) Poleman; Louis Tholen and Harry Tholen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 22, 2022, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 13 and Ash, Hays, Kansas with Father Rich Daise officiation.

Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:30 P.M. Sunday, at Clines-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, and from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. Monday, at Clines-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

The family suggests memorials payable to: Midland Hospice House of Topeka or Saint Joseph Catholic Church in care of the mortuary.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or can be left at guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.





















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