aren Judy Brown

Karen Judy Brown

April 24, 1939 - June 21, 2026

McCOOK, Neb. — Karen Judy Brown, 87, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at Hillcrest Nursing Home.

Karen was born in Culbertson, Nebraska on April 24, 1939, to Willard and Caroline (Frick) Rippen. She lived a life filled with love, dedication and service to her family and community.

Karen was a proud lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary, where she enjoyed supporting veterans and their families throughout the years.

Karen loved spending time with her family and took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her kindness, strength and unwavering love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Caroline and Willard Rippen; her sons, Gary, Larry, James and Mike Sailors; husbands, Wayne Sailors, Charles Howard-Leach and Charles Brown; and a daughter-in-law, Aimee Sailors.

She is survived by her sons, Terry (Marylin) Sailors of Lincoln, Nebraska and son, Scott (Stephanie) Leach of Stapleton, Nebraska; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Karen’s legacy of love, family and service will live on through those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A graveside service for Karen will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Lebanon Cemetery in Lebanon, Nebraska.

Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.