Rio Brown-Kinard

Dec 31, 1950 -

Jun 9, 2020

Rio Ritha Brown-Kinard received her wings to return to the Creator after a five-year decline related to multiple health conditions. She was born in Minneapolis, Minn., to Essie L. Brown and Willie A. Brown, both preceded her in transition. A lifetime Alaskan, attending grade schools, middle schools and she graduated in 1969 from East Anchorage High School. She then attended Alaska Business College graduating with a degree in business management and accounting. Working hard - two jobs at a time - as she was very goal-oriented. She retired from the North Slope in 2013.

Rio married Herbert Lee Kinard and his three children in 1981, as a young family they enjoyed fishing and camping during the summer months. Her family of origin consisted of 10 siblings, whom she often babysat as daycare was not yet established in Alaska in the early years. As a loving daughter, sister, mother, wife and friend, her life was full and busy. She had a natural skill for hair styling, fashion, cooking, house design/decor, gardening and collections. She had many proud moments in life; when she restored her father's 1961 Imperial Convertible, was a day to remember. She attended New Hope Baptist Church and Shiloh Church as her spiritual guides. Striving to be the best person she could be, she gave support, love and attention to anyone that she encountered, knowing that in uplifting others, she would in return be uplifted.

She is survived by her husband; her children, Keith, Teri and Kim; her grandchildren, Capri, Brittney Kay, Darrel, Katie and Elizabeth; and three great-grands. Her oldest sister, Emma Lee Brown, preceded her in transition in 2016. Her surviving siblings are: Willie Brown Jr., Paul Gregory, Neujia-Patricia M., Sandor Adams, Robert Lee, Don Rudis, Eileen, Andrew and Kathleen Viola. Too many to list, but loved all the same, are many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all the different medical facilities and their staff that cared for our loved one.