Elsie Marie Ziegler

Elsie Marie Ziegler of Emporia, died on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor.  She was 95.

Elsie was born on April 4, 1929, in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. The daughter of Willis and Nettie Marie Ludwig Baker, Elsie spent her childhood on a homestead outside Cedar Point, Kansas, with her parents and younger sister. To support Elsie in her pursuit of a college degree, the family moved to Lyon County in the 1940s where she was introduced to a handsome neighbor boy, Harold Lee Ziegler, who lived and farmed nearby. Elsie attended the Kansas State Teachers College, graduating in the spring of 1950.  On May 20, 1951, Elsie and Harold married and settled down in rural Emporia to farm and raise a family. They had two children, Stanley Lee Ziegler and Lila Marie (Ziegler) Altis. Along with helping manage the farm and Harold’s construction business, Elsie worked outside the home as a cashier at Bluestem Farm and Ranch for 17 years. She dearly loved her customers and coworkers and attended the Bluestem Christmas Party for many years after her retirement, often bringing a grandchild along as her special guest.

Elsie took great pride in the accomplishments of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, attending games, recitals, and performances as often as possible. As a former teacher and college graduate herself, she was a strong supporter of education and encouraged all six of her grandkids to do well in school, occasionally giving out her own assignments, and celebrating every graduation and milestone along the way. At the farmhouse, Elsie hosted countless holiday meals, including a meticulously planned annual Easter egg hunt, which became famously competitive amongst the grandkids. Harold and Elsie were married for 65 years, until his passing in October of 2016.

Elsie is survived by her son, Stanley (Denise) Ziegler of Emporia; daughter, Lila (Art) Altis of Emporia; grandchildren, Joshua Ziegler, Cody Ziegler, David Ziegler, Madison Ziegler, Krista (Altis) Hance, and Heather Altis; great-grandchildren, Evan Ziegler, Drew Ziegler, Ella Ziegler, Chase Wedel, Beckett Hance, and Leighton Hance.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Della Mae (Baker) Zorn.

Cremation is planned. A private service will be held with inurnment at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia.  Memorial contributions to the Future Farmer Scholarship Fund can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.