Dorthy Ruth Brown

Dorthy Ruth Brown, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted servant of her faith, passed away peacefully at her home in Dolores, Colorado, on October 2, 2025.

Born on May 28, 1950, Dorthy lived a life filled with grace, creativity, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved and to her Savior. She was the cherished daughter of Dorthy Mozelle Jackson and Eugene Jackson and was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Larry Jackson, and her son Jarad Dawain Brown.

She is survived by her loving husband and partner in life, Donald Brown; her sons, Sam Johnson of Golden, Colorado, and Kelly Johnson of Cortez, Colorado; and her daughters-in-law, Lanier Johnson and Ginny Johnson whom she embraced and loved as daughters. She was the proud and adoring “Granny” to five cherished grandchildren, Jared, Cody, Allison, Lane, and Dusty, a role that brought her some of her greatest joy.

After her children were grown, Dorthy poured her heart into her grandchildren and into creating a home and property filled with warmth and comfort for the animals she loved. Her dog and her horses were like kids to her, bringing joy and companionship, and in recent months she delighted in the simple pleasure of watch dozens of hummingbirds visit each day. Quilting and exploring her family’s history through genealogy also remained deeply meaningful, connecting her to loved ones. Above all, everything Dorthy did was rooted in love, love for the family, her friends and her Lord. She found strength and purpose in her faith and cherished her church family at Dolores Southern Baptist Church, where her devotion found its truest expression.

A celebration of Dorthy’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Ertel Memorial Chapel in Cortez, Colorado, followed by a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango, Colorado. The family invites all who knew and loved her to join in honoring her legacy of kindness, faith, and love. During the service there will be an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share a memory of tribute in Dorthy’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dolores Southern Baptist Church and/or the American Cancer Society.

Dorthy’s light will continue to shine in the lives of all those she touched. Rest in the peace you so richly deserve.