Carolyn Fern Ehlers, 85, of Excelsior Springs, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Carolyn was born on June 8, 1940, in Kansas City, the daughter of Harold and Ruth Isabelle (Easterday) Stoffer. She was united in marriage to Elmer Eldor Ehlers of Cole Camp on October 8, 1960; he survives of the home.
Additional survivors include: two daughters, Sonia (Jonathon) Diller of Greeley, CO, and Sharon Donat of Excelsior Springs; four grandchildren: Josh (Jenn) Tonak, Heather Tonak, Cierra Miller, and Miranda Jamison; six great-grandchildren: Faith Tonak, Matthew Tonak, Jon Atwood, Lilie Tonak, Joseph Kinnison, and Aurora Taff; and two brothers, Charlie (Monica) Stoffer and Gary (Liz) Stoffer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Sharla Tonak, and brother, Bob Stoffer.
Music was woven throughout her life, beginning in the third grade when she first joined her church choir. Gifted with a beautiful soprano voice, she continued singing faithfully for decades, sharing her talent at countless weddings and funerals. It was through Emmanuel Lutheran Church’s Walther League that she met her beloved husband, Elmer, beginning a partnership that would span 65 years.
She devoted her early years to caring for her home and family before returning to work part-time as a bookkeeper for Goodyear Tire in Shawnee. Later, she spent 13 years with GEHA, where she formed lasting friendships. Beyond her work, she found joy in music, playing the piano and serving in a Lutheran church bell choir during their years in Colorado.
She filled her home with music more easily than recipes, though her family fondly recalls the days when Hamburger Helper first appeared on the dinner table. Her well-known Watergate Salad became a tradition all its own – a simple dish that carried many fond memories.
Together, she and her husband shared a love for travel and the mountains, especially Estes Park, Colorado. After retiring to Loveland, Colorado in 1993, they embraced an active life filled with hikes, day trips and the beauty of the outdoors. In 2020, they moved to Excelsior Springs, where she cherished her church family and found quiet joy in puzzles and crosswords, pastimes that reflected her thoughtful and steady spirit.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church of Excelsior Springs. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior Springs, with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M., with services to follow at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs. Please remember to share your memories of Carolyn with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
