Maryleen W. Brown, 94, passed away March 9, 2018 at her home in rural Great Bend. She was born October 18. 1923 on a farm, 5 mi. east of at Bison, Kansas. Her parents were Claus J. and Marie (Scheureman) Meier. She attended a one-room school in Rush County and graduated from Otis Rural High School in 1941. She attended college at Fort Hays State and taught in a one-room school near Albert, KS.
She married Arnold L. Collier on December 26, 1943. A daughter, Karen Marie was born. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1945.
In 1949, a son, Tim was born to Maryleen and Dale L. Phillips. Dale preceded her in death on June 20, 1951.
Maryleen attended Wilcox Beauty Academy in Dodge City, KS and worked as a hair dresser in Great Bend for approximately 20 years.
On April 26, 1957 she married Chester (Chet) F. Brown. A daughter, Cheslea Ann was born to them. Chet preceded her in death on January 16, 1998.
In the mid 1970’s she became a library volunteer in the USD#428 school system and later became Assistant Librarian. She worked in each of the elementary schools, but spent most of her time at Jefferson and Lincoln libraries until she became ill with myasthenia gravis (a muscular dystrophy disease) in 2000 and was no longer able to work. Late, she volunteered a few hours a week for Great Bend Internists at CKMC until she was no longer able.
She had also been diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1978, with a recurrence in 1993 with continuous supervision after that. She was diagnosed with cutaneous follicular lymphoma in 2009.
Maryleen is survived by two daughters, Karen Morton of Great Bend and Cheslea Hodges of Indianapolis, Ind., a brother Lowell (Red) Meier of Ellinwood; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Tim Collier, two sisters: Wanda Kayartz and Joann Wunder and a step-daughter, Carmalleita Brown Moore.
There is no visitation as cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 2:00 with Pastor Larry Schumacher presiding. A memorial has been established to USD 428 Foundation in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, Kansas 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 13, 2018