Rubie Evelyn Hatfield Stofer, 86, went to be with our Lord Monday, May 23, 2011, at Hester Care Center, Wesley Towers, Hutchinson, Kan.

She was born March 15, 1925, in Kinsley, Kan., the daughter of Charlie Daniel and Glenna Almeda Eslinger Hatfield.

She was a 1943 graduate of Kinsley High School and attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan. receiving an emergency teaching certificate. In 1945, she began teaching third and fourth grade in Kingsdown, Kan.

On Aug. 28, 1947, she married Lloyd Gene Stofer at Kinsley United Methodist Church. They moved to Hutchinson on the first wedding anniversary. She was a member of Union Valley Bible Church. An accomplished artist working in charcoal, pastels and oils she taught art in her home for many years. Her work in Hutchinson began at Sears followed by Kansas Farmers Service, JCPenny and ended with a 17 year career at the Hutchinson Community Junior College. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to start Evelyn's Crafts and Gifts consignment shop during her tenure of HCJC. In retirement she volunteered at Obee Grade School and Delos Smith Center.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd; brother, Kent; sons, Douglas and his wife Kathy, Dennis and his wife Debbie, and David; daughter, Sherrill Weeks and her husband Terry. She was a proud grandmother of 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Florence Helen Pound.

You are welcome to join us in a celebration of Evelyn's life at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at Union Valley Bible Church, with Pastor Steve Hodgson officiating. Private family inurnment will be in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be sent to Union Valley Bible Church or Hutchinson Community College in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence for Evelyn's family.