Dorothy Darlene Dains Brown

Dorothy Darlene Dains Brown, 75, of Boise, Idaho, formerly of Keokuk, IA, died June 16, 2005 at her daughter's home in Boise, Idaho. Born on May 9, 1930, to Ray and Minnie Dains in Greely Iowa, and delivered by her Uncle Parker, she grew up in Southeastern Iowa and Missouri. Dorothy was the eldest of seven children. She was proud to come from a large family and often told stories of her brothers and sister. She recalled her life in Iowa fondly, working at the Hotel Iowa, eating at Tip-n-buds, working at the rubber factory, exploring Islands on the Mississippi, and being a hat model. She often entertained friends and family with stories about favorite teachers, and the least favorite P.E. teacher who made the class perform marches all period. Her memories wove a rich picture of growing up and coming of age in Iowa. As a young woman she was a stunning redhead, turning heads with her titan tresses. She developed a life-long love of movies and music. She often mounted pictures of handsome movie actors on the pages of her scrapbooks and cookbooks. She also loved cooking and acquired an extensive collection of recipes. At age 16, she met and married Sterling "Joe" Bunker, Jr. Dorothy and Joe had two children , Danny Joe and Lana . The marriage ended in divorce, and Dorothy and became a single parent In an age when single parenting was very difficult, she managed well. Finding employment at Dryden Rubber in Keokuk, IA, (and becoming Miss Dryden Rubber) she settled into a routine of working and caring for her family. At Dryden Rubber she was to meet her second husband, Aubrey Howren, "He was the most handsome man, looked like William Holden", she would say. They spent their courtship running up and down the river fishing and camping. In 1950 they married in Kahoka Mo. Their first child, Virginia Rose was born in 1951 followed by Roger Lee, Stephen Bret and Tracy Michelle (Shelley). In 1954 Dorothy made up her mind they needed to move to California, so west they went . Aubrey was soon employed by MacDonald Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, California. Dorothy set to the task of suburban mom in Anaheim. She baked cookies, became a brownie troop leader and active in the PTA. This marriage also ended in divorce. Dorothy married Russell Brown (Brownie) in Pomona, California in 1964 , and stayed married until 1971. They lived in many places, Pomona, Los Angeles, and finally settled in Orange, California. In 1972 she met her life companion, Ole Olson from Fort Dodge Iowa. They were truly soul mates, finding pleasure in the same things, travel, fishing, playing cards, and a bit of vodka here and there. She and Ole traveled extensively throughout the United States and made many friends along the way. She was blessed to be with him as he passed away Feb. 16th 2004. Dorothy overcame many obstacles in her life. Her most courageous battle was with breast cancer. Diagnosed in 1992 she was a survivor extraordinaire, participating in MISTI cancer support group. She was an inspiration for many cancer survivors. She also participated in relay for life for the last 3 years. Being blind since she was 55, she showed courage and tenacity beyond description. Many were surprised to learn she was blind, when she walked into a room, she owned it. She always said, she never walked into a room, she entered it. She passed away surrounded by her family and her favorite music. Dorothy has been a resident of Idaho since Nov. 2000. She resided with her daughter, Ginger, and son-in-law, Ed Fields. While in Idaho, she enjoyed attending many country music concerts and being surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children Danny Bunker of Santa Ana , California; Lana and spouse Butch Puppolo of Antelope, California; Virginia (Ginger) and spouse Ed Fields of Boise, Idaho; Roger Howren and spouse Yolanda of Los Lunas New Mexico; Stephen Howren of Santa Margarita , California; Tracy and spouse Keith Gorseth of Star, Idaho; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grand children. brothers Jerry, Raymond and Dave Dains. She was preceded in death by her sister, Donna Wear, and brothers, Marvin and Kenny Dains. Graveside services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at the Charleston Cemetery in Charleston, IA with Ed Fields officiating. The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is in charge of arrangements.