Anne Velda Brown

Anne Velda Brown, beloved mother, stepmother, and cherished friend, who was born on December 28, 1939, in West Des Moines, IA, passed away on August 15, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 86.

Anne was a proud graduate of Des Moines Technical High School and went on to train as a nurse, a step that spoke to her desire to help others. Her working years included serving as a receptionist at Montgomery Ward and Moss Distributing. Yet, perhaps her most meaningful contributions came from her passion for helping others, especially the elderly—a calling she embrace during her time living in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Family was the cornerstone of Anne’s world. Nothing brought her greater joy than gathering her loved ones, cherishing the laughter and memories made together. She is fondly remembered by her surviving family: her daughters Becky (Mark) DePhillips of Urbandale and Rhonda (Tom) Failor of Waukee; her sons Randy Grady of Urbandale and Brian (Kathy) Grady of Sioux Falls; her step-daughter Vicki (Andy) Hofmeyer; and her step-sons Randy Brown and Tony Brown.

Anne married Ivan Brown, the love of her life, on September 25, 1983, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. They shared years of companionship and happiness until his passing. Anne is now reunited with Ivan, as well as with her father Raymond Finley, mother Gladys Finley, and her brothers Raymond, Donald, and Frank Finley, who all preceded her in death.

A woman of simple pleasures, Anne enjoyed word puzzles and found excitement in games of bingo. She was an enthusiastic fan of Wheel of Fortune and treasured the company of animals, sharing her home with many dogs throughout her life—most recently Misty. Traveling brought Anne much happiness, with special fondness for trips to Santa Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California. While Iowa was always home, Anne treasured her time living in New Mexico, enjoying the mild climate and respite from the severe storms and winters back home.

Family and friends will gather to honor Anne’s memory at a graveside service to be held on September 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, located at 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr, Adel, IA. Please note - please gather at the Administration Building at the cemetery and remain in your vehicles.  We will process down to the shelter at service time.  A reception will follow back at Ernst Funeral Home, 80 NE Dartmoor Drive, Waukee, Iowa.

Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Anne's final arrangements.