Elna Ann (LaRue) Kollman

Elna Ann (LaRue) Kollman passed away at her home in Stockton on March 23, 2024, at the age of 85.

She was born at home near Laton, Kansas, on June 8, 1938, to Arthur and Edna Lavern (Stillwell) LaRue. Elna married Connie Ray Kollman on January 18, 1959, in Stockton, welcoming five children into the world: Jack, Chris, Kerry, Dean, and Carla. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. These children were her joy in life. She loved them all dearly and enjoyed spending time with them.

Elna grew up in Rooks County, living in various places until the family settled in Stockton. She loved horseback riding and going to horse shows with her dad as a child.

After marrying Connie, she was a farm wife and mother until the family moved to town in 1972. She then worked at the Rooks County Nursing Home and later at Travenol in Hays. She enjoyed carpooling to work each day with her dear friend Dena Beck, with whom she continued having coffee and playing cards until her passing. She loved spending time with her siblings, reminiscing, and making new memories.

Elna worked to achieve whatever goal she had in mind. She encouraged those around her to be the best that they could be. She was a wonderful listener and cared deeply for the people in her life.

Elna is preceded in death by her parents, husband Connie, and two sons, Kerry Kollman and Larry Dean Kollman.

She is survived by three children, Jack and Sheryl (Oliva) Kollman of Stockton, Chris and Ginger (Dean) Kollman of Lawrence, and Carla (Kollman) and David Chaffin of Linn Creek, Mo.; daughter-in-law Angie (Havlas) Kollman of Stockton; 13 grandchildren, Matthew Rush, Jacque (Wade) Inglsbee, Julia (Chad) Look, Brandon Kollman, Brett Kreutzer, Amber (Jeff) King, Grant (Kiah) Kollman, Nathan, Katie, Nick, and Kyle Kollman (Ashlyn), Heather (Zach) Pittman, Daniel (Kelsey) Chaffin; 17 great-grandchildren, Amelia Rush, Brodie and Brynlie Kreutzer, Owen Inglsbee, Conor and Crew Look, Caroline, Claire, and Clifford King, Kinsley and Carter Kollman, Dax Kollman, Asher, Zayne, and Jaxon Pittman, Laikyn and Lainey Chaffin; four siblings Donnie (Virgie) LaRue of Cortez, Colo., Donna Swaney of Stockton, Thelma Shover of Lakewood, Colo., and Delwin (Linda) LaRue of Stockton;  and many nieces and nephews.

Elna's selfless love, guided by her faith in God, was demonstrated through her love and guidance of her family and her job as a senior companion later in life. She was caring and supportive of others, quick to share a smile, and always willing to listen. Elna will be dearly missed, but her love and caring will be celebrated for years to come.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at the Main Street Christian Church in Stockton.

Memorials are suggested to Main Street Christian Church and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.