Letoy Brown Obituary

Our loving mother, Letoy Brown, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2020, surrounded by family and friends, at the Kadoka Care Center, where she had resided for the past several years.

Lorena Letoy Leggett was born July 19, 1932 on a farm south of Cody, Nebraska to William and Flora (Faubion) Leggett. Her mother was fatally injured in a fire when Letoy and her sister Louisa were 4 and 5 years old. Their father, Bill Leggett, raised his girls with some help from family.

Letoy’s early childhood years were spent in the Cody area, then moved to the Tuthill and Martin, SD area where she attended most of her schooling. In 1947, Letoy moved with her father and her sister, Louisa to the 7 Mile Corner west of Kadoka where they established the Leggett Garage. Letoy finished high school in Kadoka.

She and her husband Joe L. Brown were united in marriage on March 25, 1950 in Kadoka, where they lived and raised their family. Joe and Letoy had six children – Leanne, Joe, Bill, Tish, Tom and Ellie. And as the years went by, the family grew and grew with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of them a treasured gift.

Letoy was a worker. In the early years of her marriage, she worked at the H & H Restaurant and at the local grocery store. She served as the Jackson County Treasurer for several decades, retiring in 2008. She was always ready to gladly lend a hand to whoever needed it. She and her husband Joe were among a group of folks who established the Buffalo Stampede years ago, working tirelessly to help make the event a success. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Her favorite roles in life were being the very best wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother she could possibly be. “Grandmammy”, as she was affectionately known by the grandkids, was always on the go, attending as many of the ballgames, concerts, plays, etc. that her kids and grandkids were participating in. She was just always there!

Letoy loved adventures – camping trips, drives in the countryside, traveling to both coasts and lots of places in between. And she loved nature – bird watching, rock hunting, hiking the trails along the Niobrara River, as well as having fun with her family and friends. She was a spirited Irish gal who also loved dancing and playing cards.

She was the consummate hostess. Everyone was welcome in her home and at her table – no one ever went away hungry. She was upbeat and friendly, loving and non-judgemental. She taught us all how to live, laugh and love, and fry the perfect basted egg.

Letoy is survived by her children, Leanne (Randy) Neuhauser, Joe (Lynn) Brown, Bill (Starla) Brown, Tish (Shan Seachris) Nickelson, and Ellie (Wyatt White Horse) Bettelyoun; as well as 15 grandchildren, Scott (Corry) Neuhauser, Lori Neuhauser, Jennifer (Ross) Tschetter, Chelsea (Mike) Hoy, Joe (Becky) Brown, Sam (Alyson Woods) Brown, Trina (Bryan Buxcel) Brown, Tiffany Brown, Felicia (Brian Ellis) Porch, Jamie (Cody) Hanrahan, Colton (Kelly Welker) Nickelson, Kadynce Brown, Aurora Brown, Lorena (Adam Bartling) Bettelyoun, and Rikki (Sam Spence) Bettelyoun; 13 great grandchildren; special friend Patty L. Jensen; as well as a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe Brown, her son Tom Brown, her son-in-law Rick Bettelyoun, and her sister and brother–in-law Louisa and Vint Williams.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, February 21, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Jesse Taylor officiating.

Burial will follow at the Kadoka Cemetery.

Guest Book

Sending our Hugs and Prayers your way Remember your Mom always she was at the courthouse for years with Bruce
~ Bruce and Bonnie Madsen KADOKA S D (2/17/2020)

Sending our sincere sympathy to you all. God rest her hard working soul and bless your hearts with all your precious memories.
~ Glenn and Rita OConnell Philip (2/21/2020)

Many good memories of LeToy as "The Brown Kids" and my family grew up together and continue to be connected in so many ways. LeTot was always there with a laugh and some wisdom as Leanne and navigated life. I have feeling our parents are having a good laugh as our Dads tell their jokes
I would also imagine they will have a dance or two
Sending my love and hugs to all.
~ Brenda Pettyjohn Tucson, AZ (2/20/2020)

Sending my thoughts & prayers to family & friends for the loss of a spirited Lady who always brought a smile to many faces. LeToy will be missed by many!!
~ Vera Boje Rapid City, SD (2/16/2020)

Thinking of you at this sad time.Keeping you in our prayers.
~ Gayle & Oliver Carson Quinn,SD (2/16/2020)

I have such fond memories of your Mom and Dad. I worked at school when your Dad was the fire marshal and state BB tournaments with them. My sympathy
~ Mary Jane Doyle Wall, SD (2/16/2020)

Sorry for your loss. She was such a nice lady.
~ Dennes Barrett Lead SD (2/17/2020)

South Dakota
~ Marcia Murray Rapid City (2/19/2020)

MT
~ Diana Elwood Volborg (2/18/2020)

I know how much you treasured your Mom. I feel your loss, Praying for comfort for you and your family!
~ Missy Retzlaff Clinton, NE (2/21/2020)

My thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult loss.
~ Ang Madsen-Gilchrist Gordon NE (2/18/2020)

Condolences to all of you, this wonderful lady that was the best co worker in the world will be missed as she was loved by all, especially me' loved her
~ Ruvonne Dennis (2/18/2020)

Letoy was a true gem with a ready quip or good advice. My sympathies to all.
~ JoAnne Gauer Mesa, AZ (2/16/2020)

Oh the tales we could tell when we bowled together. So much fun. She was a wonderful lady and friend. Love and sympathy to all of Letoy's family.
~ Ron and Marilyn Gartner Casa Grande AZ (2/17/2020)

Ruvonne Dennis
~ Ruvonne Dennis Rapid City SD (2/18/2020)

South Dakota
~ Marcia Murray Rapid City (2/19/2020)

Sending sympathy and prayers to Letoy's family and friends. She was a great lady.
~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid city, SD (2/16/2020)

We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Mike and Shar Moses Philip, S.D. (2/19/2020)

What a lady! I always enjoyed visiting and dancing with her. She will be missed. May God grant the family comfort and peace.
~ Gene Stevens Green Valley, AZ (2/16/2020)

Sorry for your loss. Leroy was such a sweet lady and family friend. Condolences to your family.
~ Patty Morris (Seidler) Menifee, CA (2/17/2020)

South dakota
~ Sandy feller Sioux falls (2/16/2020)

Washington
~ Dan and Barbara Neuhauser Olympia (2/19/2020)

Letoye was one of my most favorite people in Kadoka, she was a very special lady, my sympathy to all her family and friends. God bless.
~ Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (2/18/2020)

My deepest condolences are sent to you for the loss of LeToy. She was an amazing lady. Loved her dearly. She had the greatest talent of bringing happiness to those around her. She will be missed. May God bring you love and comfort today and always. I treasure her memory.
~ Gloria Buhring Winchester Oregon (2/16/2020)

Although I did not know Letoy very well, I do know several family members and friends, who spoke sweetly of this special lady! I pray for comfort and strength and comfort for you all. There are so many memories that each and every one of you can share. Do so freely and with love. God bless you all, always!
~ Ann Cvach Midland, SD (2/17/2020)

What a dear soul and fun lady Letoy was. Raised a talented family and worked hard all her life. Great memories and always a quick chat whenever I saw her. Prayers to you all.
~ Barb(McCormick) Petoske Sioux Falls, SD (2/17/2020)

I am so sorry to hear this news and your loss. I have always thought a lot of Letoy. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Brown family during this time of grieving. Letoy will be missed.
~ Roberta Coller Wisconsin (2/21/2020)

MY love to all of you. Letoy was a wonderful lady and best co worker ever. loved her and allof you
~ Ruvonne Dennis Rapid City SD (2/18/2020)