Carolyn Ehlers Carolyn Fern Ehlers, 85, of Excelsior Springs passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Carolyn was born 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 Oct. 8, 1960. He survives of the home.

Additional survivors include her two daughters, Sonia (Jonathan) Diller of Greeley, Colo., and Sharon Donat of Excelsior Springs; and four grandchildren, Josh (Jenn) Tonak, Heather Tonak, Cierra Miller and Miranda Jamison. She also is survived by 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, Kan. 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, Colo. After retiring in 1993 to Loveland, Colo., 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 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were held Thursday, Feb. 19, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior Springs, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m., followed by the services at 10. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs.

Please share your memories of Carolyn with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.