Erica Joy Stilley

Celebration of life for Erica Joy Stilley, 18, Eudora will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, at Overlook Park at Clinton Lake, Lawrence.  She died April 1, 2023, in Baldwin City, Kansas.

She was born May 17, 2004, in Lawrence, KS the daughter of Sara Whillhite Lasher and Robert Lasher and Alben Stilley.

Erica graduated from Eudora High School in 2022 and was a student at Baker University.

Erica loved the outdoors, boating, swimming, and shooting crossbow.  She had a passion for Culinary Arts.  She was driven and was always up for trying new things, including soccer, basketball, track, gymnastics, ballet, arts, ceramics, poetry and music.  She was a spiritual person and one of her favorite things was Riding with the American Legion riders of Post 19 and volunteering for their causes.

Survivors include her parents, sisters, Katherine Stilley (Travis Russell), Maria Stilley, Emily (Kasper) Kelley, Shyanne Lasher and her brother, Raymond Stilley; grandparents, Jewell Willhite, Roxanne and Arden Stilley, Becki Heck and Tim Woolbright, nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Glen Paul Willhite and Lori Woolbright.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Post 19 American Legion Riders Gardner, KS or to wildlife conservation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

21 Condolences

  1. Makiya on April 5, 2023 at 3:17 pm

    Sending my deepest condolences, Erica was a sweet soul and an amazing friend she’ll be miss so so much and forever in my heart.



  2. Kari Alley on April 5, 2023 at 7:08 pm

    My daughters are Lauren and Kinsley and they are Erica’s sisters at Alpha Chi. Having lost a son myself to a rare disease I feel your pain and have been praying for you every day.
    Depression and anxiety are so deeply personal and often held deep inside of us. Though I didn’t know her personally I know she loved you and will forever be your angel looking over her family and friends.
    Bless you and my sincere condolences.



  3. Kari Alley on April 5, 2023 at 7:18 pm

    A contribution has been made to The Wildlife Conservation Society.



  4. Cheri Drake on April 6, 2023 at 1:54 pm

    So sorry for your loss, I loved watching Erica and Emily growing us and have great memories of their smiling faces. Erica was a ball of energy, smiles and loved nature like her dad. She knew what hard work entails and she will be missed by many. I have sorry in my heart but a smile on my face when I remember her. I hope you can find comfort in all that she did and loved in her short life.



  5. Patty Winslow on April 6, 2023 at 3:34 pm

    Sara, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your family. I pray you find comfort in your memories and knowing she is with our God in a better world. Love and hugs,
    Patty Winslow



  6. Janet Ward on April 6, 2023 at 4:07 pm

    Sara, I’m so sorryfor your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Your memories will help you through. Comfort each other and hold your loved tight.



  7. Dewayne and Lori Shull on April 6, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    I am very sorry for your loss. If you and Robert need anything please let us know. My heart hurts for you all.



  8. Tammy Halverstadt on April 6, 2023 at 5:43 pm

    Sara,
    Im so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
    Tammy



  9. Kristi Jewell on April 6, 2023 at 6:56 pm

    Oh, dear Sara, I have no words. Please know that I am here for you in any way you might need me or want help. My love to you and yours.



  10. Michelle Wyatt on April 6, 2023 at 7:48 pm

    Sara I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. I hope you can find comfort in your wonderful memories of her.



  11. Denise Swartz on April 7, 2023 at 7:36 am

    Sara I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through. If you need anything please feel free to contact me. Lots of love and hugs to you and your family.



  12. Mark Praeger on April 7, 2023 at 9:23 am

    So very sorry to hear this, Sara. Wish I could somehow take some of your pain. Love my memories of you in the OR.



  13. Dawn Stewart on April 7, 2023 at 10:58 am

    Sara, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you and your family. Praying your memories bring you comfort ❤️



  14. Chef Jack Low on April 7, 2023 at 2:26 pm

    So very sorry for the loss of this beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers go to you, as well as my memories and love for her. I hope comfort and healing come to you.



  15. Elizabeth Mowery on April 7, 2023 at 6:29 pm

    Sara, I’m so sorry for your loss of your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



  16. Becky Holm on April 7, 2023 at 10:41 pm

    Sara and family, I am sorry for the loss of your daughter, Erica. May God comfort you all during this difficult time.



  17. Peggy Drake on April 8, 2023 at 10:08 am

    So remember her always being on the job with here dad. So many loved her in her short life and never win be forgotten. Prayer with all of you through these time of loss. Peggy and Gary Drake



  18. Meg Qualls on April 8, 2023 at 1:53 pm

    Sweet, sweet Erica. A headstrong, determined, and such a fun young woman. You left a mark on every soul that had the pleasure to know you. While we only knew you for a short while, you made such a huge impact on your friends’ lives. You’ll be so deeply missed, but we know this is just goodnight, not goodbye. I hope you dance forever. So much love.



  19. Carm Gilmore on April 10, 2023 at 10:01 am

    Robert and Sara we are so sorry for you loss and can not even begin to imagine the heartbreak. Please know we will pray for you endlessly for comfort and peace. Erica touched so many people in a beautiful way.
    love you all



  20. Sandra Brock on April 12, 2023 at 6:58 am

    Sara and Robert, Could not believe it when we heard the news. I can’t imagine what your family is going through but wanted to let you know that we have been sending all the love and prayers your way in this hard time . From the hearts of your pain clinic girls at lmh❤️❤️❤️❤️



  21. Phyllis Fantini on April 12, 2023 at 1:23 pm

    I have been thinking of my friends, Rockie & Arden, lately but could not remember their last name until I saw this obituary. I am so sorry for the loss of your granddaughter. She sounded like a very nice young woman. I would love to be in contact with you two. Email below.



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