Elizabeth (Tolppi) Stoneman

Elizabeth Tolppi Stoneman, 76, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2023. She lost her short-lived battle against pulmonary fibrosis, but her vivacious spirit lives on in those who were blessed to know her. Elizabeth was born on January 2, 1947, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Wilbert and Dorothy (Carlson) Tolppi. She was very proud of her 100% Finnish heritage and embraced her cultural roots throughout her life.

Elizabeth was a woman of many talents and interests. She was known for her impeccable sense of style and was always decked out from her head to her toes with her matching earrings and shoes. She took "Shop 'til You Drop" to a new level while being a bargain hunter extraordinaire. Much of her shopping was for gifts for relatives and friends. Her favorite colors were pink and lime green, which reflected her vibrant personality. Elizabeth had a passion for organization and was shrewd in managing her finances down to the last penny.

In her academic pursuits, Elizabeth excelled. She graduated as the Salutatorian from Sebeka High School in 1965 and went on to earn a Cum Laude degree in Education from the University of North Dakota in 1970.

Throughout her career, Elizabeth made significant contributions in various fields. She worked as a Health Science Librarian from 1972 to 1979 before successfully trailblazing a new path as the sole female stockbroker in her company for several years, leading to a prosperous 23-year tenure in the Financial Service Industry. Beyond her professional life, Elizabeth had a passion for serving her community and volunteered with Altrusa, a woman's service organization, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Friday Friends.

Elizabeth's faith was an integral part of her life. She was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church for fifty years and spent the last few years as a member of Westbrooke Church. Known as the Hat Lady, she was recognized by her congregation for always adorning her Sunday best, complete with one of her signature hats.

In her leisure time, Elizabeth enjoyed indulging in her hobbies. She was an expert bridge player, an avid golfer, and a passionate traveler. Having visited all 50 states, Hawaii held a special place in her heart. Elizabeth also had a keen eye for collecting various items, including Fostoria glassware, original Hawaiian artwork, and Christmas decorations--particularly the Twelve Days of Christmas and The Three Wise Men. Her collections even extended to her shoes, where her loving husband once counted 152 pairs.

Elizabeth is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, her high school sweetheart, Donald Stoneman, and their children Kevin (Kathryn), Lisa (Greg), and James (Kristin). She was a proud grandmother to Spencer (Kevin), Austin Claire, Blake, Carson, Brooke, and Lindsey, and a great-grandmother to Cecilia and Addison. Elizabeth is also survived by her sister Carol (Gary), Brother-in-law Jim (Tracey), nieces and nephews and other relatives and dear friends. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her father Wilbert Tolppi, mother Dorothy (Carlson) Tolppi, brother David Tolppi, father-in-law Donald Stoneman, and mother-in-law Luella (Seamans) Stoneman.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation held on Friday, October 13th, from 5:00pm -7:00pm and the Memorial Service, which, will be held on Saturday, October 14th, at 11:00 am. followed by a luncheon reception. Both functions will be held at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. In honor of Elizabeth's vibrant life and love for fashion, attendees are kindly requested to wear bright colors instead of traditional black attire . For those that cannot attend Elizabeth's service in person, CLICK HERE to view the livestream.

The passing of Elizabeth Tolppi Stoneman leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for her warmth, grace, and zest for life. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who mourn her loss.