Linn County News
Published March 31, 2021
Mary Ellen Brownback passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at the age of 87 in Ellsworth, Kan.
Ellen was born in Hume, Mo., on Aug. 3, 1933, to William Jesse and Susie (Davis) Adams. After graduating from Hume High School, she met the love of her life, Gene Brownback, and they were married on July 22, 1951.
Ellen and Gene were longtime residents of Osawatomie, Kan., where they raised a family and owned Brownback Hardware, which Ellen managed. She was voted Woman of the Year by the Miami County Business and Professional Women’s Club, and was a member of PEO, Delta Epsilon Sorority, and Eastern Star. Ellen loved sewing and quilting, and playing cards with friends. As an active member of her church, Ellen’s faith was a very important part of her life.
Ellen and Gene enjoyed time at the lake, fishing and boating with family. After retirement they spent winters in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, basking in the warmer climate. Later, they moved to Ellsworth where they delighted in making new friends, spending time at the Ellsworth Senior Center, attending church and becoming involved in the community.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Gene Brownback; her parents; and her sister, Sarah Ann Stuart.
She is survived by her two sons and their families, Steve (Patti) Brownback of Overland Park and Dave (Cheryl) Brownback of Ellsworth; four grandchildren, Sarah (Neil) Wortman of Southlake, Texas, Jeff (Susie) Brownback of Andover, Kan., Thomas (Kate) Brownback of Washington D.C., and Doug (Michelle) Brownback of Pierre, S.D.; along with eight great-grandchildren, Lucas and Nathan Wortman, J.P. and Luke Brownback, Olivia and Everly Brownback, and Owen and Miles Brownback.
A private family inurnment will take place at Osawatomie Cemetery in Osawatomie, Kan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth County Food Bank c/o Parsons Funeral Home, Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Obituary can be viewed and condolences left at parsonsfh.com.
OBITUARIES
Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

Linn County News Published July 30, 2025 Joe W. Mann, age 73 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions are suggested to the Schneider Funeral Home and may be sent... [More]
Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025

Linn County News Published July 23, 2025 Jean Driskell, age 82, formerly of La Cygne, Kan., passed away Friday, July 18, 2025. Memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Visitation... [More]
Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025

Linn County News Published July 16, 2025 Burton Clyde Brownback, age 72, Tri-Ko resident in Osawatomie, Kan., passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1953, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Clyde and Shirley Drake Brownback. He graduated from Prairie View... [More]
More Obituaries
- Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025
- Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025
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- Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025
- Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025
- Jackie Junior “Jack” Hewitt ~ 07-17-1935 to 06-18-2025
- Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025
- Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025
NEWS
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

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Commissioners review departmental budgets

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SPORTS
Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]
Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.
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- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
- Gratton at Nationals
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
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- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
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• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

