Lois Shellhammer

“Grandma Lois”, as she was known to all, was a fun-loving, feisty 99 year old lady. She loved her family unconditionally and didn’t know a stranger. Anyone she met she considered family. She was quite the spit fire and sure knew how to make those around her always crack a laugh. She was most proud to be a 5th generation grandma. 

Dorothy Lois (Werneke) Shellhammer’s prayers were answered and she went to be with the Lord on September 5th, 2025. She was born on June 28, 1926 to Edward & Lillie Mae (French) Werneke. She was a middle child, growing up with older sister Opal and younger brother Bob on a farm east of Renfrow, Oklahoma. 

Lois married Duane Scribner on June 9, 1942 and to their union was born two daughters, Connie & Vonya. She later married Dean Shellhammer and they settled down in Bluff City, KS. She worked at Chaparral High School as a kitchen cook for several years until retirement. Lois and Dean then moved to Caldwell to be closer to family and she worked at Spanky’s where she met many friends that  she considered family. 

Lois is preceded in death by her parents Ed & Lillie Werneke, husband Dean Shellhammer, sister Opal Lebeda, brother Bob Werneke, grandson Chad Schwertfeger, and son in law Mick Eckermann.

She leaves behind her two daughters; Connie Eckermann and Vonya (Bill) Schwertfeger both of Caldwell, KS. Four grandchildren; Rohn (Sheri) Eckermann, Kent (Denise) Eckermann, Craig (Jenny) Eckermann all of Caldwell, KS and Tracey (Chris) Overall of Arkansas City, KS. Three nieces; Bev Jayroe of Caldwell, KS, Karen (Mark) Hoffman of Okene, OK & Lea Ann (Dale) Hobbs of Lamont, OK. One nephew; Larry (Sandy) Werneke of Manhattan, KS. 11 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren, and the entire staff at Sunflower Cottage that she considered as her family. 

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025 at Caldwell City Cemetery.

  Memorials may be made to Sunflower Cottage Activity Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.