Joyce Stallbaumer

Joyce Stallbaumer Joyce Elaine Hug Stallbaumer, 61, Wakarusa, Kansas, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Joyce grew up on the Hug family farm of Scranton, Kansas, the daughter of Robert and Ruth Livingston Hug. Joyce attended Carbondale Grade School and graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School in 1975. She ran track in high school where she was a state qualifier and held the record in the mile for many years. Joyce attended Emporia State University earning her degree in elementary special education. While at ESU, Joyce was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, where she met many of her life-long "click sisters". Joyce was also instrumental in starting the Early Childhood Development Center there.

On September 26, 1981, Joyce and James E. Stallbaumer were united in marriage at the Hug family farm, enjoying more than 36 years together.

Joyce taught special education at Avondale East Grade School for two years before starting their family and their business, Emporia Freight and Delivery Services, of which she was a co-owner and vice-president.

Joyce was a devoted member of Mater Dei Parish where she taught religious education and was the Baptismal Preparation Coordinator for many years at Holy Name Church. Joyce was very involved with her children's education, serving on the PTO and as a room mother. Joyce was also her children's #1 supporter in all their activities including drag racing, supporting Jim, the seven children and the grandchildren.

Joyce was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in 2012. Joyce's strong faith never allowed the disease to define her. That faith and the loving support of her family, who became her caregivers as she had cared for them, fed her indominatable spirit.

Joyce loved completely and was dearly loved. She was a "mother" to many and a friend to all.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Lindsay (Josh) Whitmore, Auburn, Talena (Charles) Lehosit, Plano TX, Micala (Tyler) Wudarczyk, Wakarusa, Landon Stallbaumer, of the home, Jordan (Lesley) Stallbaumer, Basehor, Korbynn and Camryn Stallbaumer, also of the home; grandchildren, Trenna, Cade and Hadley Whitmore, Amelia and James Lehosit, Andie, Emma and Blake Wudarczyk, Harvey and Ellery Stallbaumer; her mother, Ruth Hug, Scranton; sister, Kathy (Max) Wentworth, League City TX; brothers, Bob (Tisha) Hug, Carbondale and Ed (Gretta) Hug, Scranton; and uncle, Dean Livingston, Topeka; as well as many other family and friends.

Family will greet friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mater Dei Holy Name Church, where a rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Church where a rosary will be prayed one half hour prior to Mass.

Burial will follow in Shawnee Center Cemetery, Wakarusa KS.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Mater Dei Parish Hall or the ALS Association-Midwest Chapter, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Condolences may be sent online to

www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.