Gene Brown

Gene Brown, 89, of Cortland and formerly of Warren, died Monday, January 18, 2010 at Forum Health - Trumbull Memorial Hospital. She was born February 14, 1920 in Weston, Ohio, the daughter of Dr. Harley E. and Laura (Wicks) Ash, coming to Warren in 1942.

Mrs. Brown graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1938, and from Ohio University in 1942 with a B.S.J. degree in journalism. After working for the Tribune Chronicle and the McClure & Wilder Advertising Agency, she became director of public relations for the Trumbull County Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Trumbull County United Way, retiring in 1980. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Warren, and active in the church's Kirk Club and Fortnightly Study Group.

Surviving are her husband, James F. Brown, former editor of the Tribune Chronicle, whom she married March 20, 1946; a daughter, Jane Brown (John) Anthony of West Chester, Pa.; a son, Barry B. (Ritsuko) Brown of Dallas, Ga.; three grandchildren: Carolyn A. (Brady) Bowles, Christopher (Tara) Brown, and Marie (Greg) Robinson; and six great-grandchildren: Chloe, Olivia, Evan, Nicholas, Camden, and Arden. Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Harley E. Ash, Jr.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 21, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Rusty Cowden and Rev. Duane Jesse officiating. Private inurnment will take place in the First Presbyterian Church columbarium. Friends may call 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made either to the Lake Vista Life Care Fund, 303 N. Mecca, Cortland, Ohio 44410, or to First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren, Ohio 44483.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.