May 18, 2026

Linn County News

Published May 20, 2026

Ruth Ellen Stainbrook, age 93, La Cygne, Kan., passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was born on Feb. 12, 1933, at home to Fred and Lucy Henderson Carothers. She graduated from La Cygne High School in 1950 where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen.

Ruth Ellen was united in marriage to Wilbur Lee Stainbrook on Aug. 16, 1950. She worked for Business Men's Assurance Company, Braemore Sewing, and as a cook at Prairie View School District. She was a civic minded lady, giving of her time and talent. She was a leader in Cadmus 4-H as well as cooking project leader. She served as President of the La Cygne Alumni Association. She was a member of the La Cygne United Methodist Church, Cadmus Grange, Red Hats, The Neighborhood Club, Rebecca's, and EHU.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wilbur; sister, Erma Lee Stites; son-in-law Scott Allen; grandson, Brandon Stainbrook; and great-grandson, Michael Allen. Ruth Ellen is survived by a son, Keith Stainbrook and wife Michele; two daughters, Doris Jean McElreath and husband Danny, and Joyce Allen; two sisters, Elizabeth Hubler, and Carol Clark; a brother, Clayton Carothers and wife, Grace; a former daughter-in-law Carol Stainbrook; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Pemberton, Brian Stainbrook, Brent Stainbrook and wife, Erin, Travis Allen and wife, Amy, Tara Branson and husband, Austin; eleven great-grandchildren, Case (Taylor), Stratton, and Saige Pemberton, Levi and Meadow Stainbrook, Brody Stainbrook, Lane, Daxin, and Rayna Allen, Kenley and Meila Branson, Kiley (Zach) Sweig; and one great-great-granddaughter, Lilly Sweig. 

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the La Cygne United Methodist Church. Burial in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at the Schneider La Cygne Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to La Cygne United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com