Our cherished Mom, Gra Gra, “Our Rock” Rita Pauline Brown flew home to the Lord on Friday, July 9th 2021 while surrounded by her loving family. Mom was born on April 7th 1958 in Seattle, WA to Rex and Pauline {Crowley) Brown.
Mom spent her childhood years in the Palmdale, CA area before returning to Butte as a teenager and attending local schools.
Mom married her high school sweetheart Doug Hickey in 1974 and had 3 children John, Diane and Thomas. They later divorced but always remained close friends. Mom then married Dale Ceartin in 1993 {later divorced) and had 2 more children Travis and Marie. To Mom her 5 kids, her 3 grandchildren, and her family were always her everything.
Mom worked several jobs in personal care and mental health care throughout the years and always fully devoted herself to her clients. She always had a nack for making everyone smile regardless of the situation. She worked at several locations including Aware and Western Montana Mental Health.
Mom’s hobbies included crocheting, painting in the spring, camping with family and her favorite – spending all the time she could with her grandbabies. She took the most joy creating fun things to do with them from crafts to play dough to dying Easter eggs. Gra Gra always tried to make things fun and always made the most of her time with them.
Mom always tried to see the best in everyone and definitely wore her heart on her sleeve. She was a magnet to everyone she met and would give anyone the shirt off her back without question even if it meant she would be going without. She always tried so hard to please everyone.
Mom instilled love, thoughtfulness, thankfulness,forgiveness and respect in all of her children and most importantly the love of God.
Mom was preceded to heaven by her parents Rex and Pauline, brother Pat Brown, Special Mom Helen Hickey, Special grandson Jason Gustafson, nephew Shawn Hickey and numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins that were all waiting when she landed.
Mom is survived and will be dearly missed by her Children, John(Sandi) Hickey Harbor OR, Diane(Jim) Anderson Butte, Thomas(Kyli) Hickey Butte, Travis Ceartin Soldotna AK and Marie Ceartin of Fairbanks AK, Grandchildren Brady Anderson, Corey Anderson and Hunter Hickey all of Butte, Brother Mike Brown of Wendell ID, Neices Carlene(Chad) Peterson and their daughter Iris, Sarah(Eriel) Mayer and their children Jade and Katie, Julia Curry and her children Dylan and Tacey, and Crystal Brown, lifelong Brothers and Sisters Doug(Julie) Hickey, Jeanette(Wally) Salmonson, Dan(Valerie) Hickey, Mike(Cheryl) Hickey and their families, Special Cousins Marcia Deshazo and Marie Hislop, lifelong Friends (sisters) Cindy Cisneros and Mary Jensen and their families,
and by many Cousins of the Crowley family.
The family would like to thank Katie of Frontier Hospice.
Please join us in A celebration of Mom’s Life at the McQueen Athletic Club Saturday July 31st at 6:30pm.
Your love will stay with us forever Mom and so will the hole in our hearts until we see you again. Thank you for always being the best mom and gra gra we could ever ask for. We know you’ve stretched that umbilical cord all the way to heaven. Until we see you again please watch over us and guide us. We love you Mama! “Jesus be with you!”
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Rita.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Rita and her family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Rosamary persinger says
Diane and family I’m so sorry about your mom. She was a dear sweet lady I’m sorry that I lost touch of her when you guys moved. She was so happy that you took her with you. You will never regret having her move in with your family. I know you loved her dearly as she loved all of you. I’m stunned that she is gone as I am sure you are also. I’m sending love and prayers to all of you. May Rita rest in peace. GOD Bless and comfort all of you.
Judy (Ceartin) Russell says
Hello I am so very sorry for your loss. When Rita lived in Billings. I really got to know her. She was such a lovely lady.. We had many good laughs and chats together. I was so sorry I lost track of Rita when she moved. She was a very caring lovely lady. My condolences to her family may God b with each of you during this time of grieving. R.I.P. dear Rita. I love you.
Jim Crowley says
I’m so sorry for all of you. Rita was so kind and thoughtful. Every time I was around her even when we were children, she always incourged me to be the best that I could be! Rita definitely had the love of Christ flowing through her, and she was blessed with a beautiful family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all!
Marie Hislop says
Our family, has lost another beautiful soul. Rita, was a kind, loving, caring and giving person. Our world will be a little dimmer without you in it. You have certainly earned your place in heaven. Keeping all of your families in my prayers. Love to you all.