Elizabeth Ann Stalder, 86, of Chapman, died Friday, August 22, 2025 at Village Manor Abilene,Kansas. Liz was born on June 2, 19 39 in El Reno, Oklahoma, the daughter of Ralph and
Francis Emery. Liz attended school in Wymore, NE, Walla Walla School in Junction City, Alida, and Chapman,Kansas.
Liz met John Stalder at a party when they were in their teens. After a two year romance, they
tied the knot on January 29, 19 56. John and Liz were happily married for almost 70 years. They made their home in rural Dickinson County, where they farmed and raised four sons.
When her boys were young, LIz was a member of EHU, Extension Homemaker Unit, through
the Dickinson County Extension office through KSU. Liz used the skills she learned by providing meals in the fields during summer harvests. John and their boys were truly appreciative of her
punctuality at having meals prepared and in the field promptly at noon and in the evening.
These were not just a sandwich and chips but a full course menu.
Liz’s artistic talents were used at multiple floral shops in Junction City including Brown’s Floral,West Acres, and Dillon’s Floral shop. Her daughters-in-law were so impressed with her skills
that they each had Liz arrange flowers for their weddings to her boys.
Liz had many interests that showcased her creativity. She enjoyed making quilts and doing
sewing projects. Painting on a variety of surfaces, such as rocks, glass, and farm tools, was
another skill she displayed.
Liz was an avid reader of westerns, romance novels, and magazines. She and John enjoyed
playing pitch with other couples monthly. Liz also enjoyed playing Bunco with her friends.
John and Liz, along with several close friends, enjoyed square dancing all around Kansas.
Watching television with John in the evenings was one of her favorite pastimes.
John and Liz were very active in a camper club from April through October. They took all four of their boys on camping trips locally and across the USA. Later, when their boys were grown with
families of their own, a reunion was enjoyed every summer at Milford Lake with all the Stalder
cousins, as well as weekend camping trips with immediate family.
Liz and John attended all their boys’ activities and continued to follow their grandchildren as
they participated in activities as well. They also enjoyed watching softball games on Sunday
evenings in Chapman.
Survivors include: John, her husband of 69 years; Deanna Stalder of Abilene; Joe and his wife,Bari, of Chapman; Tom and his wife, Audrey, of Overbrook; Mark and his wife, Lisa, of
Chapman; grandchildren - Tyler Stalder, Jordan (Mark) Elliott, Cole (Sarah) Stalder, Casey
(Abbey) Stalder, Cody Stalder, Jacob Stalder, Logan Stalder, Kaden Stalder, Kellie (Jayson )
Brown, Tricia Stalder, Sean (Jesika) Leary, Andrew Leary; and 10 great grandchildren. She is
also survived by her sisters: Mary Haley-Rocks, Karen Smith, and Norma Gabriel.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Francis Emery, her brother, Robert Emery, and her son, Jim Stalder.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 26, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Londeen-Overlease Funeral Home in
Chapman, Kansas.
A private burial will be at Sutphen Mill Christian Cemetery where her ashes will be laid to rest
with her loving husband at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Dickinson County and/or for a memorial
bench to be placed in the park.