Rosetta Maxine Brown

Rosetta "Rusty" Maxine Brown, 76, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away on November 2, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born on January 5, 1950, in Council Bluffs, where she spent her early childhood. She later attended high school in Hayes Center, Nebraska.

Rusty was a funny, sassy woman who had a special way of bringing humor into everyday life. Those who knew her may remember her calling people "sweetie," a small but memorable expression of her personality.

Rusty had a talent for making things beautiful. She enjoyed growing an impressive variety of houseplants and flowers, sewing, decorating, and thrifting. Known as a wonderful thrifter, she had an eye for finding treasures and bringing new life to the things she discovered.

Above all, Rusty was proud of her sons and grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her three sons and their families:

Mark Cox and his wife, Kristen, and their family: Vanessa and J. and their daughter, Adelaide; Lucas and his wife, Laura, and their children, Noah, Shepherd, and Mary; and Camille and her fiancé, Skyler Giampa;

James Cox and his wife, Carrie, and his daughters, Sara Cox and Molly Cox;

and Korey Cox.

She is also survived by her sisters, Barb Riley, Penny Miller, and Shelley Evans.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Brown; father, Rutgar Evans; her mother, Berna Evans; and her brothers, Dale Evans and Riley Evans.

A graveside service will be held for the family on Tuesday, November 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

Rusty will be remembered for her humor, her sassy personality, her creativity, and the love she had for her family. She leaves behind memories that will continue to bring smiles and laughter to those who knew and loved her.