Dorothy Ruth Barrett Riley Brown

Dorothy Ruth Barrett Riley Brown was born on October 7, 1929, in Owsley County, Booneville, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Carl and Nannie (Horn) Barrett. Dorothy’s early years were spent on a farm, where she loved life with family and friends nearby.

Dorothy later moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, by way of Newport, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio. She married Floyd “Bud” Brown on August 15, 1954. She was a homemaker for several years before she went to work at Best Lock where she worked for 27 years. After retirement, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by obtaining her GED.

Dorothy was known for her sweet smile, wittiness, loving personality and kindness. She would give you the shirt off her own back if you needed it. She also was an exceptional cook, able to create a 5 course meal from just a handful of ingredients that she had in her cupboard. She always made sure that family favorites were on the table at each gathering and there was always a race to get the first roll fresh out of the oven.

She loved to travel with her sisters and friends from church and had explored almost every state. Some of her favorite places that she has traveled to are Branson, Mackinac Island and Hawaii.

Dorothy was foremost committed to her faith. For over 40 years, she passionately taught Sunday School and contributed to Vacation Bible School, embodying her belief that faith is to be shared. She consistently prioritized her relationship with God.

Her unwavering love extended beyond her immediate family to her great-great-grandchildren, whose joy became the light of her life. Even as her memory began to fade, her heart remained steadfast in its knowledge of Christ, and she continued to be a witness of faith humming hymns to those around her until the end.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters; Teresa Mosier and Glenda Brown; grandchildren; Tim Riley (Jenny) Jeff Riley, Robb Riley, Jason Barber, Kyle Brown (Nikki), and Kristin Davis; great grandchildren; Lily Nguyen (Paul), Will Nguyen (Danielle), Jonathan Riley (Andrea), Alexis Cooper (Cody), Logan Riley, Maya Barber, Garrett Blackmore (Samantha), Savannah Brown, Griffin Riley, Serena Dodson, Elena Riley, Gavin Riley (Destiny), Keegan Brown, Alan Riley, Emma Davis, Connor Brown, Alex Barber, Kendall Brown, and Taj Rodgers; and great great grandchildren, Silas and Addy Cooper, and Rosie Riley; sister; Lola Keller; sister in law; Bernice Holland; special cousins, Carl Horn (Shannon) Gerrie Prewitt, and Albert Barrett; and Best Friend of 50+ years, Winnie Smith, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Nannie Holland, Carl Berrett; husband, Floyd “Bud” Brown; son; Freddy Riley; grandson, Matthew Davis; grandparents, Robert and Emma Horn, and Grandpa Holland; sisters, Maxine Horst and Bonnie Bowman; brothers, Willard Holland and Victor Holland.

Her family wishes to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the hospice team, Peggy, Lisa, Dorenda, Brian, Anna, Roxanne, and Macaria, and Eric. Thank you, Raven Sherels for always keeping her nails pretty.

Dorothy will be remembered fondly by all who were blessed to know her. The visitation will be held on July 22, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 PM, both taking place at Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services—Lawrence, Indianapolis, IN, at 5215 Shadeland Ave.

Dorothy Brown's service webcast