Vivian Anita Sarlas Brown went home to be with her Lord on the 9th day of May, 2019, and to reunite with her husband Kenneth. She was a faithful member of Reidland United Methodist Church since her move to Kentucky in 1990.
Vivian was known by both church and family as a caring person who loved to write cards and letters; she shared her faith, love and blessings with all who knew her. Vivian’s home was open to all. Everyone was part of her family, related or not. She loved everyone’s children. Vivian was an artist who loved beauty. She painted and sang and gardened. She was never happier than when she could spend long hours digging in her garden dirt, followed by a long, cooling swim in her pool. Every holiday was open house. Everyone was invited because hospitality was her gift. Her favorite scripture was Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or dying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Her favorite song was “Why me Lord, ” by Kris Kristopherson, because even in pain she knew the blessings and grace of God. She listened to all types of music until the very end.
Vivian was born August 28, 1929, to John and Nancy Sarlas who preceded her in death. She married Kenneth Gene Brown, her lifelong love and companion in 1947. Together, they lived in the Chicago area where he worked as a printer and she took care of their kids. Later, she cared for other family children. When Kenneth’s parents grew older, Kenneth and Vivian moved to Kentucky to care for family members and other children. Kenneth died in 2016 after 69 years of marriage. Also deceased are siblings James Sarlas, George Sarlas, Elaine Deering, Evelyn Rasmussen, Sedora Koppman, Marion Weathers and Joan Altier. Her sister, Nancy Barth, survives her.
Vivian is also survived by daughters, Bonnie Kuhrt and her husband Ed; Sandra Stuart; Sue Brown; and Rebecca Alexander. She was grandmother to Bonnie’s children: Kristen Vittore, Katherine Mason, and Kenneth Kuhrt; Sandy’s children: Cynthia Hubble, Tammy Martin and James Hubble; and Rebecca’s children: Nicholas and Zachary Alexander. She also left behind eleven great grandchildren,and a myriad of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Collier Funeral Home, 211 West 5th Street, Benton, KY 42025. Reverend Brent Porterfield will be officiating.
Interment will follow in the Haltom Cemetery, Benton, KY.
Visitation will be held between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Collier Funeral Home.
Memorial Contributions may be given in lieu of flowers to the Lourdes Hospice Foundation Fund or to Reidland United Methodist Preschool.