Zeare R. Brown "Rita"

Zearé R. Brown “Rita”,77, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Rita was born on November 15, 1948, in Burlington, Iowa, to Dennis and Rebecca (King) Humphrey. Rita was the seventh child and third daughter born to the couple. She graduated from Burlington Norte Dame High School. Some years after graduation, Rita moved to Des Moines where she met her husband, Dale Brown. She retired from the United States Postal Service in 2013. Rita loved her three daughters immensely. She would tell Rhonda, Dayna, and Natalie as often as she could how much she loved each of them and would finish by saying but God loves you best.

Rita had a beautifully creative spirit and found joy in arts and crafts, crocheting, movies, and family game nights. Her relationship with Christ was the foundation of her life, and she poured her heart into leading Bible studies, participating in her ladies’ book clubs, and fellowshipping with her church family. Always singing, always moving, she filled every space with warmth, energy, and a light uniquely her own.

As she wished, we all called her Rita or Rity. However, many of you may not know her real first name is Zearé (Z-air). She started using her confirmation name, Rita, in childhood. She once said it was because people couldn't pronounce Zearé but instead called her Zairé (Zigh-EER) or something similar. When she got tired of correcting the pronunciation, she became Rita.

Rita disliked having her photo taken. It became a fun game with her family and extended family to take her picture without her noticing. We are so grateful that she recently started allowing family to take photos of her and with her again. Rita had a loving spirit and mothering qualities and was willing to help anybody and everybody. She gave guidance and support to a multitude of families, friends, and the children of friends. We all cherished and love her.

After a visit with Rita, she would say, "wait, wait, don't go, come back, I have something else to tell you." And once you came back to her (because you had to go back, before she would tell you what she wanted) Rita would say, "I love you today." And so, for all of us, let’s not say our final goodbye to Zearé "Rita" Rebecca (Humphrey) Brown, let's not say goodbye to each other or her; instead, say, "I love you today."

Left to mourn her loss are her children, Dayna (Mark) Scott and Natalie (Carl Nathan) Lampley; grandchildren, AaRron Mosley, Na’day Chandler, Cameron Lee, Nate Lee, Jeremiah (Imani) Chandler, Nehemiah Chandler, Cobei Lee, Sydni Chandler, Ceirrah Leverette; great -grandchildren, Elliot, Naday II, Winnie, Ra’Shawn, a new little one on the way, and; her siblings, Michael King, Denny Humphrey, David Humphrey, Peter Humphrey, Marquita Humphrey, Sean Humphrey and a host of extended family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dale Brown; daughter, Rhonda Humphrey Mosley; son-in-law, Darrel Mosley; and siblings, Bryant King, Robin Humphrey, and LuVerne Humphrey.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2025 at Lutheran Church of Hope+Elim, 2500 University Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. Repast will follow the service at Hosanna Church Des Moines, 2620 Watrous Avenue (near Easter Lake) in Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Rita and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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