Ruth Elaine Brown, 89, of Winfield, passed away Wednesday morning, November 4, 2015 at William Newton Hospital.

Born September 10, 1926 in Garber, Oklahoma, Elaine was the daughter of William Preston and Elsie (Gillispie) Ashmore. She was raised and received her early education in Garber, graduating from Garber High School in 1944. She then attended Phillips University in Enid, where she studied speech, theatre and English, receiving her BA and teaching credential in 1948. Upon graduation, she accepted a teaching position at Caldwell (KS) High School.

In 1950, she was offered a position teaching speech and drama at Hutchinson High School, where she met Warren D. Brown. The couple married on December 21, 1952, in Hutchinson. Elaine was a fulltime mother while her children were young, and returned to teaching in 1963 in the Union Valley District, just outside of Hutchinson. She served on the board of the Hutchinson Public Library and was active in the Hutchinson Community Theatre, directing many productions.

The family moved to Winfield in 1969 and Elaine accepted a position in the humanities department at Cowley County Community College. While teaching at the college, she completed her Master's Degree in English Education at Wichita State University. During her years at Cowley, she directed most of the college's theatre productions in addition to her teaching, and served as chair of the humanities department for many years. Elaine retired from teaching in 1990 to care for her husband, who preceded her in death in 1993.

She was a member of the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a professional honorary society of women educators, and served terms as president. She was an active member of Southwestern College Faculty Dames for many years. She enjoyed reading, sewing, and being involved with theatre productions.

Her family includes:
Her daughters: Michelle Boucher and husband, Troy of Winfield; Kristine Brown of Smith Valley, NV;
Her son: Michael Brown of Winfield, and
Her granddaughter: Ashley Boucher Donalson and husband, Julian of Wichita.

In addition to her parents and husband, Elaine was preceded in death by her sister, Neva Lorraine Mosley.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at Highland Cemetery in Winfield. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been established in Elaine's name with the Peace Garden Fund at the Legacy Foundation in Winfield and with Safe Haven Kennels in Nevada. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.