Patty Ann Brown

Patty Ann Brown, 78, of Valentine died Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at her home after her kind and generous heart gave out. Patty was born September 2, 1943, in Valentine to John Roy Kolessa and Eleanor Mae (Hartman) Kolessa. The middle of three children, she was raised in Valentine and graduated from Valentine High School in 1962. She was always active whether it was ice skating or swimming at the plunge or even doing flips all the way to school. In High School she competed in tap dance and baton twirling, which she continued all her life. Patty married William Garner in 1964. They raised two children together. After divorcing Bill, she moved to Houston to help her daughter Penny in the big city. This is where she met Casey Brown whom she later married and divorced. Patty started waitressing when she was a young girl. She was able to work with her mom and sister Georgia at the Home Oil Cafe. Many remember the trio working together there. She also took great pride in being a lifeguard at the Plunge. She worked at Young's'Western Wear for many years. Patty loved to cook and bake, she turned this love into a lifelong career. She owned the Buttercup Cafe and perfected her cream pies and delicious specials. In Houston she was asst. Manager at Champs restaurant. Back home again, she worked at the Rosebud Casino restaurant and made many new friends there. The last 16 years Patty managed the Sale Barn Cafe. With some long busy days there she was thankful to have her brother John at the grill. People will miss her breakfasts and homemade pics for sure. She always appreciated friends and family helping anyway they could. Seeing people enjoying her food made her day. Patty had many hobbies. She loved her river trips and days at Merritt with friends. Shopping for a cute outfit to wear to the next get together was a usual pastime. She was always ready for a golf outing, as long as there wasn't much golf involved. For years she was in a bowling league and State bowling was a highlight. Music was a big part of her life. She was able to tell anyone that asked what song was playing and the artist too. Cher and Celine Dion were a couple of her favorite concerts, but she attended many, and sang every word to every song. Before her heart troubles Patty would dance the night away. Swing dance was her favorite for sure. Everywhere she went she always found time to brag about her grandchildren and great grandchildren who she loved dearly. Patty always had fun cars, a '64 mustang, a Monte Carlo, followed by a blue Cadillac. But her purple Mustang Convertible was always her favorite. She cried when she traded it in for a more sensible ride. We will all miss seeing her 'TO SWEET' driving around Valentine. Some of her travels included Deadwood, Vegas, Nashville, and Dallas. Finally getting a passport she attended her grandson Tyler's wedding in Punta Cana. Patty is survived by her daughter, Penny Kozal & son-in-law, Jeff of Kearney; her son, Gary Garner; her two grandsons, Dustin Kozal & partner Correy of Chicago, IL, and Tyler Kozal & wife Jennie of Kearney; her great-grandsons, Oliver & Tatum Kozal of Kearney; her brother, John Kolessa of Valentine; her nieces, Shannon Hansen & husband Dirk of Plano, TX, and Ashley Kolessa of Valentine; her nephews, Jeff Spain & wife Jorja of Valentine, and Johnny Kolessa; a number of great nieces & nephews, several cousins, and many friends. Patty was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Georgia Spain.