Garla Dee Brown

She grew up in Knoxville Iowa where she was involved in many activities including Girl Scouts, and cheerleading. During her summers she worked at the swimming pool as a lifeguard where she also taught swimming lessons. In High School she was elected Homecoming Queen. She also won the Miss Knoxville contest and competed in the Miss Iowa contest.

Garla enjoyed a fulfilling career as a teacher, retiring from the North Kansas City School District in 2002. She was united in marriage to Clyde Brown on December 27, 2003, and together they shared many wonderful years.

One of Garla’s greatest joys in life was her grandchildren. She loved watching them grow and celebrating their many accomplishments. Her favorite pastimes included shopping for bargains, playing cards—she belonged to two bridge clubs—and completing crossword puzzles, a daily ritual she cherished.

Garla also had a passion for travel. After she and Clyde bought an RV in 2004, they began their annual winter trips to Port Aransas, TX. What started as a two-week getaway grew into a three-month tradition. Garla adored walking along the beach, collecting seashells, and soaking in the beauty of the ocean. She and Clyde also treasured their time at their lake home on the Lake of the Ozarks, where they created countless memories.

On November 8, 2018, Garla suffered a debilitating stroke from which she never recovered. She spent the last six years of her life at Lindenwood Village in Gladstone, MO, surrounded by love and care.

Garla will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, especially Clyde. Her warmth, generosity, and zest for life will remain in the hearts of her friends and family forever.

She is survived by her husband, Clyde Brown; two sons, Matthew Croley of Houston, Texas and Aaron Croley of Kansas City, Missouri. She has four grandchildren, Mackenzie Croley and James Croley of Kansas City and Lauren Brown and Andrew Brown of Lenexa. She also is survived by three sisters, Katherine Howard of Naperville, IL, Jona Roberts of Knoxville, IA, and Leslie Brown of Chicago, IL.

Garla was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dee Schrader.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Linden Woods Care Center and her hospice team.

In her memory and in lieu of flowers the family would like to the donations to be made to Fairview Christian Church.