Allen and Eldonna Stoops Memorial Scholarship
About Allen Ray & Eldonna Lou Stoops
Allen Ray Stoops was born on March 5, 1946 in Cairo, KS. He grew up in Sawyer, KS and graduated from Fort Hays State University. He was a lifetime resident of the Pratt area and was a Purchasing Agent for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for over 30 years. He also retired as a 1st Sergeant from the United States Army Reserves after 29 years of service. He was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church, B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge # 1451, Ninnescah Valley Archers, Pratt Gun Club and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Allen had a great passion for the outdoors and loved to bow hunt. He even became skilled in making his own bows and arrows. Allen passed away on October 24, 2007 at the age of 61 after a tough battle with lung cancer.
Eldonna Lou Stoops was born on September 6, 1947 in Pratt, KS. She grew up in Cullison, KS and graduated from Fort Hays State University. She was a lifetime resident of the Pratt area and taught piano lessons in her home for over 30 years, teaching well over 1000 students. She was a vital part of Pratt Music Theatre, playing accompaniment for 16 years and 38 plays. She also played accompaniment for countless weddings, pageant events, church services, plays and Elks functions. Eldonna also loved to cook and was known throughout the family for her wonderful recipes and love of entertaining. Eldonna passed away on April 8, 2006 at the age of 58.
Allen and Eldonna have two daughters: Angela and Jay Mies of Pratt, Kansas and Lori and Ryan Japp of Colorado Springs, Colorado and one son: Cory Stoops of Wichita, Kansas. They were also blessed with four grandchildren: Brooklyn Ryan Japp, Drew Allen Japp, Jayden John Allen Mies, and Jaycek John Allen Mies. Their love of family and friends was a constant in their lives. As their children, we have set up this scholarship as a tribute and a memorial to them. They have made many contributions to the Pratt area and we are hopeful that this scholarship will do the same.