Alice "LaDean" Brown

Alice LaDean Brown was born at sunrise in Ririe, Idaho, on September 6, 1940, to Arthur and Leah Bowles. She was the youngest of 11 siblings and enjoyed life on the small family farm. The Bowles family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, when LaDean was one year old.

She graduated from South High School in 1959. Before graduating from high school, she met her sweetheart, Gary George Brown, while cruising State Street. They were married on June 17, 1959, in Salt Lake City and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 4, 1970.

LaDean enjoyed camping, especially traveling in the RV with Gary. She loved gardening, square dancing, and busting a move when the moment was right. She loved crocheting and made many beautiful blankets, even when arthritis made it very challenging. She showed her love by cooking for her family, always making more food than anyone could eat. She was an extraordinary party planner and immaculate hostess, especially during every holiday.

LaDean lived her life fully encompassed by her children and family. She was happiest when she had a house full of her loved ones, laughter, and food. While LaDean had many jobs, she was most proud to be considered a homemaker for all of us.

LaDean was dedicated to all of her callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though her heart was always in the Relief Society. She had an unwavering testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and eternal families. She was very service-oriented and always led by example in her service to others.

LaDean and Gary served an LDS mission at Martin’s Cove, WY in 2010, where she embraced her pioneer heritage. She was a proud member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and loved family history.

The final years of her life were spent doing what she loved most, spending time with her family and friends and being the ultimate hostess. Despite her health challenges, she remained valiant and strong, staying true to the nickname her husband gave her: “Buffy.”

She passed away on March 22, 2026 surrounded by family. LaDean was preceded in death by her parents, 10 siblings, and 1 grandchild. LaDean is survived by her husband, Gary, their 4 children, Robert (Nannette) Brown, Rodney (Sally) Brown, Kristene (Alan) Rigdon, Noreen (Bill) Roeca, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

To our wife, mother, grandmother, and grandma-great, cheers with a Diet Pepsi. We “lubba lubba lubba you!”

A visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2030 Chateau Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84129, on March 27, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on March 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am. A Funeral Service will follow at the same location on March 28, 2026, at 11:00 am. LaDean will be laid to rest in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Virtual attendance to the funeral service will be available at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/96341438217?pwd=D7wOrE2NDBWZzjQdymOoGMqy5m4ZuY.1

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 300 N. Main St., Salt Lake City, Utah 84103, https://isdup.org/forms/other-forms/.