A Creative Soul with a Legacy of Love

Patsy Anne Brown, 79, of Keene, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, in Watford City, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Vancouver, Washington, and grew up in Killdeer, North Dakota. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Patsy lived a life full of color, character, and unwavering love.

Patsy was bold; she was nurturing, loving, funny, talented, and kind. Her kitchen was a gathering place, her garden a place of peace, and simply being near her made you feel at home.

Patsy had a presence you didn’t forget. She could light up a room with her laugh, hold her own in any conversation, and made everyone feel like they belonged. She had a deep sense of integrity, a quick wit, and a heart that made space for everyone—family, neighbors, and even the occasional stray animal who found their way to her porch.

For nearly 45 years, Patsy and her husband, Marlin, raised cattle in Keene. They embraced the rhythm of rural life, grounded in hard work and the quiet joy of being outdoors. It was a life of purpose, shared in partnership.

Born with an artist’s eye, Patsy saw beauty everywhere—and made sure others could see it too. Her paintings of North Dakota’s landscapes and wildlife brought comfort to many. Nearly every home in Keene holds one of her works, a testament to the way she captured the spirit of the prairie and its creatures. Her art wasn’t just her passion; it was a gift she shared generously, including through the walls of Dixie’s Café, where she sold her art in later years.

Patsy also found joy in gardening, music, writing, and a good old-fashioned game of cards. Whether it was pinochle, whist, gin, hearts, or even a round of go fish with the littlest family members, she played to win—but always with a laugh and a sparkle in her eye. Around her card table, stories were told, memories were made, and love was shared.

She showed her love in steady, everyday ways—through warm meals at the table, handwritten notes, garden blooms, songs strummed on the guitar, and the simple gift of her time. A thousand small gestures made everyone around her feel loved.

Patsy is survived by her children,Jimmy Brown and Dixie Brown (Cory); her grandchildren, Randee Brown Ham (Jefferson), Wacey Brown (Julia), Cassidy Rink (Roger), Cody Brown, and Kennidy Chapin (Ryan Zastoupil); and her great-grandchildren, Jasper Rink and Archer Brown.

She is also survived by her siblings: Mary Kowis (Wally), Sharon Towberman, Lorna Brown (Burton), Kaylene Reddig (Jim), and Roger Fischer (Sherry) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Patsy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marlin Brown; her grandson, Colter Brown; her son in law Vincent Chapin, her great-grandson, Sivert Ham; her parents, Helen Fischer and Raymond “Rex” Fischer; her brother William “Buster” Fischer; and her sister Lynette Fischer.

Her family invites you to celebrate her life and legacy in the coming days.

Memorial Contribution