Elma Alberta Ahrens

Elma Alberta Ahrens, 94, of Oakley, Kansas passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Logan County Hospital.

She was born Sept. 7, 1928, in Towanda, KS to Albert Frederick Hueftle and B. Magdalene (Ebel) Hueftle. She graduated from Menlo High School in 1946 and from Fort Hays State University in 1950 with a degree in English and a minor in music.

On July 23, 1950, she married James (Jim) Dean Ahrens in Hays. She was active in farming with her husband, substitute taught and was an interior decorator.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Oakley City Council, Summer Recreation Commission, Cameo Club, P.E.O, Federated Women’s Club; served on the Farm & Home Administration Committee, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, Fick Museum Board and Oakley Public Library and was a 4-H community Leader and Brownie Leader. She was an avid historical researcher.

Survivors include her children, Kerry Cejka, of Dumfries, VA, and Tom Ahrens and wife Rosa of Oakley; and former daughter-in-law Cheryl Ahrens of Oakley; one sister Katherine Wilgers and husband Larry of Winfield, KS, and sister-in-law Pat Hueftle of Menlo, KS; seven grandchildren: Eric Cejka and wife Melanie of Kearney, MO, Jason Ahrens and wife Kelly, of Hopkins, MN, Joshua Ahrens of Oakley, Jeremy Cejka and wife, Anna of Woodbridge, VA, Amanda Ahrens of Salina, KS, Brandon Ahrens of Oakley, and Patrick Ahrens and wife, Libby of Oakley; nine great grandchildren: Nicholas Ahrens, Maximus and Wyatt Ahrens, Elizabeth, Emma, and Carter Cejka, Chase and Autumn Cejka, and Olivia Ahrens; along with numerous other nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Kim W. Ahrens; both parents; a brother, Mark Hueftle and two sisters, Ruth H. Lowenthal and Esther F. Kraus.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, Oakley with the Pastor Dan Hutton officiating. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Oakley and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com