December 10, 1928 ~ March 29, 2015
Nina Faye Brown was born on December 10, 1928 to Clarence and Effie (Lowery) Bornholdt at Norwich, Kansas. Nina started school at Norwich and soon moved to rural Harper County. Nina attended all eight grades at Hilsdale School north of Harper and graduated from Harper High School in 1946. Following high school, Nina worked as a bookkeeper for Hays Scarletts Implement Dealer at Harper where she met her future husband, Delmer Brown when he was working in the parts department.
Nina and Delmer Gene Brown were married on January 18, 1947, at the Methodist parsonage in Harper. Once married they lived in a three room house in Harper with no plumbing. While living in Harper, their first child was born May 11, 1949. Dr. Bush delivered the baby boy, who Delmer named Robbin Gene. Shortly after the birth of Robbin, Delmer was offered a job as a parts man in Caldwell. The couple moved into a three bedroom home with plumbing. In Nina’s words – a mansion! Three years later, Ronald Dean (Andy) was born on June 25, 1952 in Anthony. Once she had her two sons, Nina said her family was complete.
Nina was proceeded in death by her mother and father, Clarence and Effie (Lowery) Bornholdt; her husband, Delmer Brown, and brothers, Pete and Don Bornholdt. Survivors include: sons Robbin Brown (wife Lyn), Wichita, KS and Ronald Brown (wife Lee Ann) Hartshorne, OK; grandsons, Justin Brown and wife Krystil, Wichita, KS; Ryan Brown, NYC, and Matt Brown, Oklahoma City, OK; several great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Martin, McPherson, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.
In later life, Nina served the City of Caldwell for 35 years as Deputy City Clerk. Nina and Delmer were also the first managers of the Friendship Village next to their home.
Nina and Delmer were one of the first couples to both own mopeds and were part of a pack of couples who participated in this activity. In the late 70’s the pack grew to around eight to ten. Later after a few injuries the pack dissolved.
In her spare time, Nina logged over 1500 hours volunteering at the Caldwell Hospital, loved playing cards and she liked it when she was out fishing with Delmer. They went on many local fishing trips and a few to Canada. Nina enjoyed flowers and making arrangements and at one time wanted to own a florist shop, but Delmer said they would have no time to fish. Nina loved those fishing trips and spending time with Delmer and their fishing buddies. The fishing buddies weren’t always crazy about having Nina around when fishing was going on. She didn’t talk or rock the boat, have tangles or trouble with her fishing equipment, but she would always, always catch the most fish or the biggest fish! Then to add salt to the wound, she would give them a nudge and say “you’ll do better next time.” It was the same way if you played cards or wahoo with Nina. She was a real competitor and also really lucky. Just ask her grandsons. Well SH and Ahh SH and just plain SH were acceptable but cussing was not accepted when you played Gin Rummy with Nina.
In her later years, Nina enjoyed boating with the boys, playing cards and wahoo with her sons and grandsons and later going to the casinos with Ron. She loved time spent with her family and many friends and she was very proud of her community.
Everyone loved Nina’s hugs. When visiting the house you would always get a hardy hand shake from Delmer and maybe a pat on the back but you had to stand in line to get a hug from Nina. She didn’t hug you like we do these days, a quick body slam and a pat on the back. Nina would put both arms around you and talk to you while holding on and probably kissed you too. That was Nina.
Nina died Sunday morning, March 29, 2015 at the Spring View Manor, Conway Springs, KS. She was 86 years old.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the Schaeffer Mortuary Chapel, Caldwell.
Memorials may be given in memory of Nina to the Caldwell City Cemetery, Caldwell, Kansas.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Harold Metzinger
Family and Friends - 04/01/2015
Thoughts & prayers go out to you, Rob & Andy. Delmer and Nina were two of the kindest individuals I've ever known.
Anyone coming into their presence felt a little better about themselves and life in general.
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Cindy King Wilcoxen
Family and Friends - 04/01/2015
Many many memories of Nina as I grew up staying over night with Rudy and Emma Tomsu, (step grandparents). They were all very good friends. After Rudy died,
Nina was always doing something so generous to help with or watch over Emma time and again. I hope she knew just how much I appreciated everything thing she did. My heart is sad yet, I know Delmer and her are happy being together once more.
Sending all my love to her sons, Rob and Ron.. and her grandchildren. May she rest in peace . Thinking of all you, God Bless.
Cindy ❤️
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Whitey Lawrence
Family and Friends - 04/02/2015
My condolences to the family and the many friends of Nina, she and Delmer, were always a pleasure to visit with, whenever and wherever you happen to run into them, and proud of their sons, good people I remember fondly while growing up in Caldwell. My thoughts for them and Rob, Ron and family.
