Marcella (Marte) Mae Brown, age 91, of Enderlin, ND, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, in the care of SMP Health Maryhill in Enderlin, ND and Red River Valley HIA Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 22nd from 5:30pm - 8:30pm at The Reserve at Woodland, 1251 14th Street SW, Valley City, ND 58072. Please be aware... This event will be held in the lower level and has a private basement entrance. An additional Celebration of Life will be held later, TBD, in her hometown area of Beloit, WI. An online guestbook is available at www.lerudmathias.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the family.

Marcella (Marte) Mae Brown, the daughter of Rollin and Mary (Ullrich) Singletary, was born in Beloit, WI on July 27, 1934. She was the oldest girl of 5 children. She grew up and attended school in Beloit, WI where she graduated in 1952 from Beloit Memorial High School. Prior to her marriage, she worked at the Freeman Shoe Corp in Beloit. On February 7, 1953, she married the love of her life, Earnest Haddley Brown at the First Congregational Old Stone Church in Rockton, IL. (Fun Fact is that this church was established in 1838, is the oldest church in Winnebago County, and is still serving the Rockton IL community after many generations of families.)

Over the years they lived in Rockford, IL, Loves Park, IL, and settled in Roscoe, IL until Earnest passed away. To be close to family she moved to Houston, MN and finally to Enderlin, ND.  Marcella was a long-time member of the Open Bible Churches in both Loves Park, IL and Beloit, WI. In recent years she attended the Northview Church in Fargo, ND. She was a homemaker until Robert and Vickie went to school then worked as a toddler and pre-school teacher for many years. She then transitioned to the Open Bible Church/School secretary until the school closed and she finally retired. Marcella was thought by many to be a quiet, more introverted person, frugal with herself and graciously generous with others. What they may not have known was that she had remarkable drive, a sense of humor, some might say that she was a bit feisty, enjoyed so many things and wasn't afraid to venture out. She held a conceal and carry permit, went parasailing in Florida at 63 yrs. old, was always helping on any indoor/outdoor project, was proficient in many crafts, sewed her and Vickie's clothes until it wasn't cool anymore, cross-stitched, knitted, crocheted, she flew or drove anywhere in the country to visit family and friends. Her favorite poem was Elizabeth Barrett Browning's 'How Do I Love Thee?' (Sonnet 43). She loved garage sales, puzzles, playing cards, was a veracious reader. She loved family gatherings and spending time with those she loved and always made sure you knew that she loved you. Most importantly of all, she loved the Lord. He was first, and she made it a priority every day to spend time reading her Bible and praying for her family and friends and anyone else the Lord placed on her heart. She was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

Marcella is survived by her son, Robert, Enderlin, ND, daughter Vickie (Brian), Dazey, ND. Grandchildren; Kirk (Essi), Spokane, WA, Krystal (Tommie), Moorhead, MN. Great grandchildren; Jersey & Tommi, Moorhead, MN, Myles & Melody, Lisbon, ND. Sister; Mary Jensen, Janesville, WI. Nephews; Don (Sharon) Brushwood, Wichita, KS, Thomas Brushwood, Jacksonville, FL, Terry Singletary, Beloit, WI. Nieces; Valerie A. Singletary, Beloit, WI, Kathy (Jim) Filicetti, Waterford, WI, Evelyn Arlene Sullivan, Knoxville, TN, Phyllis Ladon Bishop, Troy, IL. Friend; Sherry Wright, Longwood, FL. And other extended family members and loved ones.

Marcella is preceded in death by her beloved husband Earnest (d. 1996); parents, Rollin & Mary; brothers, Joseph, James, and David; sister-in-law, Peggy; brother- in-law, Jerry; great nephew, Brandon; along with several brothers-in-law, sisters- in-law, nephews, nieces, and many other extended family members and loved ones. In Marcella's final chapter, the staff at SMP Health Maryhill and Red River Valley HIA Hospice became extended family. Our family acknowledges with love and appreciation the exceptional care they provided. Their patience, humor, gentle hands, warm hearts, and unwavering compassion brought comfort to Mom and our family. They made each day brighter, and we will forever remember their kindness. A heartfelt Thank You from all of us. God Bless You All.