Marilyn K. Stauffer passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Ridgewood Rehab and Care Center in Seward, at the age of 86.
Born on Feb. 29, 1940, in Milford, Marilyn was a beloved member of her community and a source of light and love to her family and friends. A 1958 graduate of Milford High School, Marilyn carried her passion for caring for others into a long career in healthcare, serving the residents of Crestview Care Center for more than two decades.
She was also a lifelong and devoted member of East Fairview Mennonite Church, where her deep faith and commitment to service were evident to all who knew her. On Sept. 12, 1958, Marilyn was united in marriage to Gene Stauffer at the East Fairview Mennonite Church. Together, they built a loving home near Dorchester and were blessed with five children: Krista, Delton, Brad, Jared and Gwen.
Marilyn loved baking pies, coffeecake, cookies, and homemade bread for others. Known for her warm and welcoming spirit, Marilyn was truly a social butterfly whose radiant personality drew people to her wherever she went. Above all, she loved her family deeply and treasured every moment spent with them.
Marilyn also had many quiet, creative talents that made her uniquely special. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Marilyn is survived by her children and their spouses, Krista Stauffer of Phoenix, Arizona, Delton and Anita Stauffer, Brad and Pat Stauffer, and Jared and Kimberly Stauffer, all of Milford; and Gwen and Joe Nisly of Hutchinson, Kansas. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and their spouses, Daron and Jelayna Stauffer, Austin Stauffer, Abbie and Eric Garlock, Alexa and Sam Olson, Gina and Clay Salberg, Shauna and Matt Reeves, Colby and Sarah Stauffer, Cameron Stauffer, Coleman and Kendal Stauffer, Carson and Jayla Stauffer, Camille Stauffer, Sabrina Nisly, Sierra and Kirby Chupp, Detrick Nisly, Saige Nisly; 14 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Erb and Mary Roth; brother-in-law, Merle Beckler; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Stauffer; parents, John and Ida Erb; parents-in-law, Glen and Florence Stauffer; sisters, Myrtle Kremer and Betty Erb; brothers, Ardell and Burdette Erb; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gerald Kremer, Richard Roth, Kay Erb Weaver, Ann Beckler, Judith Stauffer and Phyllis Beckler.
Visitation will be Monday, March 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Lauber Funeral Home in Milford. Visitation will continue that evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at East Fairview Mennonite Church, with family present to greet relatives and friends.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. at East Fairview Mennonite Church, with burial to follow at East Fairview Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Milford Senior Center.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services.
