Rita Fay Brown

Rita Fay Brown, 53, a lifelong resident of Clayton, passed away at her home suddenly due to a cerebral hemorrhage on May 17, 2022. Rita was born on January 2, 1969, to Bobby J. Brown and Nancy C. (Lackey) Brown at General Hospital downtown Indianapolis. A woman of faith, Rita was baptized on August 19, 1979, in Hope Baptist Church.

Rita was a graduate of Cascade High School in the class of 1987 where she was a member of the FFA. Rita was a hard worker who could outwork any man whether it came to backing a trailer or tossing bags of feed on the family farm. Most recently Rita was working in logistics at Geodis as a processor.

A proud 10-year 4-H member showing swine all those years, specifically Hereford hogs; Rita was a lifetime member of the National Hereford Hog Association. Rita was truly a “53 year” 4-H member as she continued to never miss swine show day at the Hendricks County Fair helping in any way she could, whether it was handing a member a brush or making sure their back tag was attached. Never missing a Friday night auction, she was always there to support 4-H members as they said “goodbye” to their projects.

If you had the joy of meeting Rita, you knew just how special she was. Her personality was as genuine as they could come. Rita was the life of the party with a belly laugh that was deep and hearty. She would give you the shirt off her back and all the love in the world if she could. She loved everyone as though they were her family, often greeting those she loved with a “Hey Sis!” or “Hey Bub!” If you did not have a friend, Rita would be that for you; she never knew a stranger. Her unconditional love made this world a better place. Family was paramount in her life, and you clearly did not have to be her blood-related relative to be worthy of her love.

Supporting her daughter and nieces and nephews in every activity they were a part of was important to Rita. She was constantly cheering them on, whether they were showing their animals at the 4-H fair or on the ball field, she never missed a chance to be there for them. Rita was always thinking of others before herself.

Preceding her in death was her father, Bobby J. Brown; a nephew, Michael Brown; and a grandchild whom she scooped up in her arms the moment she got to heaven.

Survivors include her mother, Nancy (Lackey) Brown; her daughter, Hope Johnsrude (Junior); brothers, Bobby J. “Rob”, R. Glenn (Michal), and Leslie A. Brown (Andrea); sisters, Tereasa Brown, Lorie A. Hendy (Willie), and Rena Harmon; nieces and nephews, Falicia Miller, C.J. McFarland, Drew Byrd, Ashley Woods, Amanda Woods, Brady Woods, Glenn Alan Woods, Chance Cornett, Rylie Lambert, Bayli Brown, Reese Hendy, Addie Brown, Raylen Hendy, and Lane Brown, Johnathan Allee, Christian Harmon, and Ricky Harmon; bonus children, Clayton Brown and Jessie Glon; more friends than one can list and a host of extended family members who will miss her greatly.

In lieu of flowers, the Brown family requests that memorial contributions be made in Rita’s name to the Hendricks County 4-H Foundation, P.O. Box 7, Danville, IN. 46122. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

Rita’s visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 PM in the chapel at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 39 East High Street, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 7:00 PM in the funeral home Monday with Pastor Steve Ranson officiating. Funeral services are entrusted to the Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service and Crematory. Please visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory of Rita with her family.