Barbara Lee Brown, 71, of Holton, KS formerly of Geneseo, KS passed away April 21, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born July 11, 1942 in Topeka, KS the daughter of Frank L. and Myrtle Bell (Crable) Smith.

Barbara had lived in the Holton community for over 14 years and previously in Geneseo and Topeka. She was a school cook, worked at Walmart in Holton and had owned and operated BJ’s Restaurant in Geneseo. Barbara was past president of American Legion Auxiliary in Geneseo.

She married John W. Brown on July 1, 1967 in Hillsboro. He passed away in May of 1992.  Survivors include 4 sisters, Betty J. Losh of Meridian, ID, Helen Hays of Topeka, KS, Emma M. Osborne of Topeka, KS and JoAnn Lyden of Topeka; a brother, Jerry D. Smith of Pequot Lakes, MN and 141 nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers, William, Ronald and Dick Smith.

Funeral services will be 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Friday morning. Burial will be 2:30 p.m. Friday at Geneseo Cemetery. Memorials may be given to American Legion Auxiliary or Holton Hospital c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.