Jean Ann Stainbrook

Age 92, of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, March 10, 2025, at Eden Vista of Rock Run in Joliet, Illinois.

Born August 4, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, Jean Ann was the daughter of John and Lucille (Bertino) Parkinson. She was raised and educated in Wilmington, where she graduated from Wilmington High School.

Jean dedicated 20 years of service as an administrative assistant for the Army Procurement and Supply Agency at the Joliet Arsenal (APSA) before transitioning to owning and operating the J-Bar Western Shop, from where she later retired following more than three decades.

Her passion for horses and livestock shaped much of her life. She was actively involved in numerous horse clubs and associations, including Land of Lincoln GBRA, AQHA, ILBRA, and IPRA. In 1958, Jean made history as one of the first Rodeo Queens in Illinois and was a lifetime gold card member of the International Professional Rodeo Association. This was simply a testament to her dedication and impact in the rodeo community. Her impressive resume in the show arena led to additional opportunities, including being featured in a magazine representing Purina Feeds, as well as countless other magazine and newspaper articles highlighting her accomplishments and unwavering devotion to her horses.

Jean will be forever remembered for her kindness, dedication, and deep love for both the animals she cherished and the people whose lives she touched.

Survivors include her step-daughter, Dolores Kaitschuck; grandson, Dale (Tammie) Rawls; great grandchildren: Kodi and Cheyenne; one niece, Linda Raridon-Duke; and great niece, Kaylin (Austin) Kuiper of Lake Village, Indiana; as well as numerous Stainbrook nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold Stainbrook on September 29, 2019, nephew, Craig Raridon, her sister, Joan (Dell) Raridon, and brother-in-law, Bob (Marie) Stainbrook.

The family will receive friends at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Monday, March 17, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow in the funeral home on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 12:15 p.m. with Reverend Dr. Roy Backus officiating.

Burial will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, where Jean will be laid to rest with her late husband, Harold.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jean’s memory to the Wilmington School District Foundation of Excellence for a future scholarship or to Kuzma Care Cottage or Wilmington's Caring Closet.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Jean’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland, and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815-476-2181).