Emma Jean Stairs, 51, received her wings on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Emma was born September 28, 1973 in Pine Ridge, South Dakota to Gary G. and Connie K. (Monroe) Stairs. She was raised and lived in Alliance, Nebraska her whole life.
Many friends and family knew Emma as “EJ”, but to her nieces and nephews she was known as “Maam”, as Emma never had children of her own. She was a second mom to her nieces and nephews.
Emma loved spending time with her family and helped her parents take care of her siblings. She enjoyed every moment spent with friends, from playing Bingo, to sitting outside around a table, just enjoying their company, bringing laughter or just a smile. She was very loved and will be deeply missed by many who knew her.
Emma is survived by her sisters, Shannon (Rolando) Escamilla and Shurron (John) Flemming of Alliance, all of Alliance; her brothers, Terry (Brandie) Monroe of Alliance, Jonathan (Jill) Baker of Alliance, and Bruce (Mary Beth) Cavender of Pueblo, CO. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Donald Whattler of Las Animus, CO; her nephews, Christopher Escamilla, Matthew Escamilla, Paxten Baker, Aiden Whitwer, Matthias Whitwer and Steven (Jerica) Parker; her nieces, Makyla Whattler, Peyton, Ophelia, Penelope and Anastasia Baker, Cameo Whitwer and Celeste Whitwer; great-nephews, Elijah Escamilla and Elias Arraj; her beloved dog Jack and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Gary Stairs, Jr., Kyle Stairs, Gary “Gito” Stairs, Jr., and Quinby Stairs; sisters, Cary Whattler, Carol Stairs and Angela Stairs; her aunt, Hope Baker; her uncle Daryl Monroe; her niece Sophia Escamilla; her nephew David Whattler; and many other extended family members.
Visitation will be held at the Bates-Gould Chapel on Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with the rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. Father Matt Koperski will officiate. Cremation will follow the visitation and the Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent in care of the family at, 1116 Potash Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.