by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com

Ross Evon Brown lived a life of unwavering dedication to service, family, and community. His commitment to those he loved and his business, Brown’s Shoe and Boot Repair, was evident in every aspect of his life. Those who knew him recall his deep passion for baseball—especially the Dodgers—his love for fishing, his devotion to serving others through his store and church callings, and, above all, his profound love for his family.

On February 19, 2025, Ross passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Ross was raised on his parents’ farm in Koosharem, alongside his nine siblings. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, a lesson instilled in him by his parents, LaRue and Lenea Brown. This work ethic remained with him throughout his life and was something he passed down to his own children.

“Ross learned that you get what you work for,” said his daughter-in-law, Tina Brown. “He made sure his kids understood this as well, as each of them took part in working in the store.”

After graduating from Richfield High School in 1960, Ross attended the College of Southern Utah—now known as Southern Utah University. In 1964, he joined the Navy and served his country for three years during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he continued his education, earning a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Economics.

It was during his college years that Ross discovered his interest in boot repair while working for Glen Jolley.

“Ross first became interested in repairing boots in college,” said his niece, Connie Hayes. “He enjoyed the work and developed a real skill for it.”

While at college, Ross also met Kaye Gourley, the woman who would become his wife. They married on December 20, 1968, in the Salt Lake Temple, embarking on a lifelong journey of love and devotion that spanned 56 years.

“We always referred to him as Uncle Boot,” Connie fondly recalled. “He had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room, always greeting you with a smile.”

In 1972, Ross opened Brown’s Shoe and Boot Repair on Main Street, where he worked tirelessly for 53 years. The shop first operated at 44 South Main Street, where One Eyst Salon is now located, before moving in 1978 to its final home at 154 N Main Street, previously Frog’s Billiards & Beer. There, Ross built not just a business but a cornerstone of the community.

Six days a week, he could be found in his shop, meticulously repairing everything from cowboy boots to leather purses—even sometimes trampolines. His skill and dedication made him an indispensable figure in the community.

“He was a pillar of Richfield,” said Tina. “For 53 years, he served this town, and he never thought of quitting. When people asked about retirement, he’d always say, ‘My friends wouldn’t know where to find me.’”

And find him they did. Friends and customers traveled from as far as Wayne and Garfield counties just to visit him at the shop. Even at 80 years old, Ross maintained a sense of fun, spending time with friends making homemade slingshots and using shoe boxes for target practice.

When he wasn’t at the shop, Ross could be found enjoying life’s simple pleasures—watching Dodgers games with his mother, LaRue, playing board games late into the night with his grandchildren, or fishing for hours at Fishlake or Otter Creek. He also dedicated time to serving alongside Kaye at the Manti Temple.

“The highlight of his life was watching the Dodgers win the World Series this past year,” said Tina. “He and my husband, Craig, stayed on the phone the entire game, experiencing it together.”

Even with his love for baseball, fishing, and games, Ross’s joy also came from the people he met at his store.

“So many people visited just to sit and talk with him,” said Tina.

For the community, his absence is deeply felt.

“It’s hard driving past the shop and knowing it won’t be his for much longer,” said Connie. “The smell of leather, the ding of the door as you walked in, the clang of the cash register—all of it will be missed.”

The shop will remain open on Saturdays until the end of April, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as the family works to close out the remaining inventory.

“We’ve met so many people coming in, not because they need boots, but because they want a memory of Ross,” said Tina.

Ross Brown’s legacy is one of hard work, service, and love. His dedication to his family and his community will not be forgotten, and his impact will live on in the countless lives he touched.