Cathy Jo Brown

Cathy Jo Brown, age 74, of Ottawa, Kansas died on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Ottawa First Baptist from 1:00-2:00pm. Funeral service will be immediately following the visitation at 2:00pm.

Cathy was born on October 7th, 1949, in Paola, Kansas. She was the daughter of Clifford Hettler and June Brownlee Hettler.

She grew up in Lane, Kansas moving to Ottawa, Kansas at the age of twelve and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1967. Cathy went on to attend college at Emporia State University graduating with a degree in Education in 1971.

Cathy began her teaching career in Ft Knox, Kentucky. She would go on to work for the Ottawa School System for over thirty years. In the early 90’s she returned to school at Emporia State University to obtain her masters in Counseling. After receiving that degree, she would become a counselor at Ottawa High School, a role she deeply cherished. Her passion for the students of Ottawa High School went well beyond the classroom and she loved to listen to and counsel others every chance she got. Due to her kindness and sympathetic heart, she will forever be known as a mom to many.

She was blessed with two children; Tracy and Scott, seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Cathy was remarried to Steven Brown in 2007, gaining three additional children Mitch, Stephanie, and Sarah, and five grandchildren. Together they shared seventeen wonderful years of marriage.

They enjoyed their time traveling and loving on their grandchildren. They attended First Baptist Church of Ottawa, where she contributed in many ways. In addition, she volunteered at many local organizations, including the Ottawa Hospital.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents Clifford and June Hettler; her sister Glenna Davis; and her beloved aunt Lavon Hettler.

She is survived by her husband Steven Brown; brother Ed Hettler; daughter Tracy Mitsdarfer; son Scott Hughes; eleven grandchildren; one great grandchild; many more family members and loved ones.

Cathy was truly a wonderful wife, mother, sibling, grandmother, and friend. The connectiveness she shared with so many will be remembered forever. As a mom to many she impacted the lives of countless in the Ottawa community and beyond. We are all better for having known her. We will forever miss you, Cathy.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many families and friends who have reached out within the past few days. Your kind words and sincere prayers have meant more than you will ever know. Until we see you again, go rest Cathy. Hug Clifford, June, Glenna and Lavon for us and know that your impact on our lives will last forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Ottawa First Baptist Church's Building Renovation Project, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 South Hickory Street, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.