Obituary for Leona “Onie” Brown

Leona “Onie” Brown, 94, of Nevada passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.

Onie was born April 15, 1930, in Wolbach, Nebraska; the daughter of LeRoy Bucy and Anna Mae (Kinney) Bucy. She married Marvin Eugene Brown in Benton, Iowa, on December 24, 1949. They raised four children and spent 59 loving years together before his passing in 2009.

Onie graduated from Simpson College in July of 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She taught science and math to 5th and 6th graders in Exira before establishing her career in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University.

Onie loved spending her free time gardening, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. She shared her creations with those she loved, ensuring they were all wrapped in the warmth of a beautiful quilt or a cozy sweater. Onie enjoyed sharing these skills with her family and friends, and her granddaughter Ronda and niece Norma, especially enjoyed learning from her.

Onie is survived by her children; Judy Ann (Rick) Lehman of Glenwood, Iowa, Marvina Louise Williams of Salt Lake City, Utah, Dale Leroy Brown of Nevada, Iowa, and Nancy Jane (Steven) Qvale of Ames, Iowa. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Mindy Lehman, Luke Lehman, Tina Schmalzried, Robert Tharp, Amanda (McGee), Daniel McGee, and Ronda Anderson. Onie adored her grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Onie was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Anna Bucy, husband, Marvin Brown, twin brother, Leroy “Bud” Bucy, half-brother, Howard Anderson, half-sisters, Lois Spears, Dorie Wallace, and Doris Anderson, and grandson, Johnny McGee.

Onie was an avid reader and had a bit too much fun correcting her children’s grammar mistakes. This is a trait that has been passed along to her children and continues to be passed down.

Onie lived a life deeply rooted in her faith, which was a guiding light and constant source of strength to herself and those she loved throughout her years. Her faith inspired those around her to seek a deeper connection with their own beliefs and values.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, May 8th at the First Christian Church, 250 W E Ave, Nevada, Iowa.

Condolences may be left directly to the family by visiting www.IowaCremation.com under Obituaries.