Viva A. Brown, 78, Nappanee, died at 3:15 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, unexpectedly at her residence of natural causes. She was born March 2, 1939, in Paulding, Ohio to Charles and Hilda (Klima) Yenser. On Aug. 21, 1954, she married Ernest A. Brown. He preceded her in death Oct. 12, 1996. In 1964, Viva moved to Nappanee from Fort Wayne. She enjoyed reading, collecting novels, bowling and music.

She is survived by her children, Dennis Brown, Nappanee, Deb Kraniak, Woodlawn, Tenn., Roger (Kathy) Brown, Pamela S. Zentz (Carl Dahlberg), and Lynn M. (Tim) LeCount all of Nappanee; grandchildren, Doug and Dave Brown, Danielle Miller, Jennifer VanVoorst, Christina Wood, Jeremy Brown, Crystal Zentz, Josh and Justin Brown; 19 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandson; sisters, Evelyn (Virgel) Schegel, Ohio; Katie Brown, Ohio; and a brother, Walt Yenser, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest A. Brown; son, Michael Brown; grandchildren, Christopher Brown and Stephanie Zentz; and seven brothers and sisters.

Family and friends may call from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17, and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral services on Monday, Dec. 18, all at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Rev. Billy Hesketh will officiate. Burial will be in Union Center East Cemetery.