Ellen M. Stark

Ellen Mae (Shafer) Stark, 93, was born June 16, 1927 in Upper Big Creek in Sparta, WI to Floyd and Georgia (Dinger) Shafer. She married Herbert W. Stark September 18, 1944. To this union were born three children: Dennis (Sheila) Stark, Diane (Isaac) Brockman Jr., and Dwight (Maureen) Stark all of whom survive her. She died November 1st at Seasons Care Center in Kansas City, MO.

Following Herb’s death in 1980, she began working at the Sparta Morrow Memorial Home, taking tests to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She loved her job, the people she worked with, and all the residents she cared for as if they were her own aunts, uncles, and grandparents. She retired at the age of 75 but continued to volunteer at her church, Sparta United Methodist, Mary Morrow’s Attic, and was involved with the Morrow Home Auxiliary.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Herb; parents Floyd and Georgia Shafer, siblings Fay (Ruby) Olsen, Paul (Joan) Dinger, Frank (Fern) Olson, Emma (Ed) Kish, George (Frieda) Shafer, and Delbert (Linda) Shafer; in-laws Louis and Hattie Stark, Evelyn (Helmer) Everson, Gladys (Clifford) Pfaff, Lucille (Elwood) Dawley, Robert (Eleanor) Stark; grandson Todd Graham Stark, and great granddaughter Kelsey Luv Oldham.

In addition to her three children, Ellen is also survived by one brother Floyd “Bud” (Barb) Shafer; former sister-in-law Beccy Shafer; grandchildren Michelle (Jeff) Oldham, Aimee Brockman, Brian (Kris) Stark, Jenny (Bill) Born, Rachel Stark, Sarah Stark, Michelle Stark, Chris (Larry) Arens, Mark Weeden; great-grandchildren Trenton (Avery) Oldham, Braden Oldham, Miranda Stark, Brian Jr., Kobe Stark, Allyson Arens, Jacob Arens, and great-great grandson Tatum Stark, also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A public visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, November 14th, at Lanham Schanhofer Funeral Home in Sparta. Masks are required and social distancing observed. Graveside services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen’s name may be made to the Sparta United Methodist Church or One Community Hospice, 15600 Woods Chapel Road, Ste A, Kansas City, MO 64139.

The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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