LaReva Lou Fink Brown

LaReva Lou Fink Brown first visited Royal Slope in 1963 as a newlywed and claimed it was love at first sight. It was on her beloved Royal Slope that she passed peacefully away August 5, 2014.

She was born in Pocatello, Idaho November 23, 1942, the second child of Charles "Lorin" Fink and Etta "Jean" Davis. She enjoyed her early childhood surrounded by her extended family but when she was about 5, her father, who up to that time had farmed with his father, decided it was time to set off on his own The family moved to a ranch just outside of Bozeman, Montana where they lived for the next 8 years. Concerned about their children's educational opportunities, Lorin and Jean once again moved their family, this time to Charlo, Montana, a small community just outside of Missoula. LaReva started school that fall at Charlo High School, where she participated in 4-H and school activities including the school play and twirling team. It was while on the twirling team that she got to know a handsome football player two years her senior. LaReva married Wayne Brown August 2, 1962 in Idaho Falls, Idaho and planned to settle in Missoula, Montana until that fateful trip to visit LaReva's parents, who by that time had moved to Ephrata, WA. It was the view Wayne and LaReva encountered as they drove over Frenchman Hills on Dodson Road that convinced them they were home.

After their move, LaReva immersed herself in the community and was very active in church. She worked at People's Bank in Royal City as a bookkeeper while Wayne worked for several farmers including Dick Rex and Lee Iverson. Soon children came along and LaReva had her hands full with 2 girls and 2 boys. She loved her role as mother and was happiest when she was doing something for her family. She found outlet for her creativity in sewing both for her home and her children as well as baking fancy cakes and other craft projects. She was an avid canner and worked through the summer to stock her pantry with the bounty from Wayne's farm and garden. LaReva always looked forward to the Community Days celebration and was especially fond of following the Junior Miss contests. She loved the floats in the parade. When her kids were old enough, they followed in their parents' footsteps and joined 4-H. LaReva and Wayne served with Tom and Hazel Freeman as leaders of their 4-H club.

As much as LaReva loved her children, it could be argued that she loved her grandchildren even more. She was their greatest fan and loved to watch them compete in sports or perform in dance or music. She surrounded herself with their pictures at home and always looked forward to their visits. She loved to put together special packages containing treats she had baked or fruit grown in her garden which she would then mail or hand deliver. It was important to her to attend their big life events and during the past year especially, she did so at great personal sacrifice.

It took some convincing, but Wayne persuaded LaReva they should leave their home on Royal Slope and the grandkids she loved for an 18 month LDS church mission. In April 2002, Wayne and LaReva set off for Sofia, Bulgaria. It is debatable which left the greater impression-LaReva on those she encountered in Bulgaria or the Bulgarians she encountered on LaReva. While there she put her sewing skills to use completing 100 quilts for an orphanage. She returned with a deep, abiding love for those she served.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and service. She is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne; four children, Glenda Lou Brown Reilly, Ronda Jean Brown, Reid Wayne Brown, Ricky Lee Brown; thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grand daughter; as well as her younger brother, Lamar Fink. Viewing hours will be held Friday, August 8, 2014 between 5:00 and 7:00pm at Kayser's Chapel of Memories in Moses Lake and from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9th at the Royal Camp Church. A funeral will be held Saturday, August 9, 2014 2:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Royal Camp. Interment will be at Royal Memorial Gardens. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.