Freda Mae Brown passed away at home, 3/10/2016. Born in Paonia, CO, 6/23/1937, and lived her early life on the Beuten family ranch on Muddy Creek on Ragged Mountain just over McClure Pass from Marble, CO. Freda moved with family to Colorado Springs during WWII as her father was involved in the Civil Service with the war effort. Freda moved again when the family purchased Cool Water Ranch in November of 1945 and spent all but the last few months of her life there, this was home. Due to failing health and a need of lower elevation she moved in December to Ignacio, CO. She was preceded in death by her husband Carl and granddaughter Sgt. Sara Richardson, she is survived by her daughter, Carol Richardson (Charlie) of Ignacio; son, Randy Brown (Leslie) of Ridgway; her brother, Tommy Beuten (Judy) of Cool Water Ranch; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Freda was a ranch wife, there is no true definition to describe what all that entails, and it was all encompassing. Freda was connected to the earth, literally, she loved the ranching life, and she loved to grow things. One of her great passions is that she could put a feast on the table that was 100% homegrown. Freda sold Fuller Brush products and ran a commercial greenhouse in addition to being a ranch wife. Riding the range on horseback, preserving her harvest from her massive garden, picking conifer cones in the fall, and cutting Christmas trees in the late fall were some of her most prized endeavors. Freda did love to visit and reminisce and was proud of her many friends. Freda is not gone, she is now on to her next new adventure. A graveside celebration of Freda’s life will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cool Water Ranch, 10502 C.R. 501; the family requests that guest wear sturdy shoes and bring their own chair (if needed).