1927-2026
Vada Lois Ambler, 99, died at Hospice House, October 20, 2026 after a brief illness. She was born at Grace Hospital in Hutchinson on March 29, 1927, to parents George and Ida White Ely. She grew up on the family farm in McPherson County. After graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1945, she attended Bethany College in Lindsborg as a music major. It was there that she met Stephen Ambler. Both were musicians, Vada in vocal music and Steve in instrumental/vocal music. They were married in 1948 and celebrated 62 years of marriage until Steve’s death in 2010.
Vada and Steve moved to Hutchinson in 1964 after living in Canton, Montezuma, Belle Plaine, and Independence, KS, moving for Steve’s job as a school band and choir director. While raising their family she went back to school, graduating from McPherson College with a BS in 1967. She taught 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grades and was a media specialist at Obee School from 1967 until retiring in 1989. After retirement, they became snowbirds, wintering in South Texas. In Harlingen, TX, Vada was a volunteer to help children learn English.
Vada was active in the arts throughout her life. She was a member of various choral groups, including the Reno County Choral Society, and Hutchinson and Bethany Oratorio Societies. At Trinity United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, she and Steve sang in the choir and performed duets in special programs. In Independence, they were in community musicals together. Vada loved gardening, reading, bridge clubs, and playing cards with her family. She was an accomplished seamstress and quilter, and loved to travel.
Survivors include children Douglas Ambler (Judy) of Olathe KS; Janis South (James) of Weatherford, OK; and Kent Ambler (Amy) of North Liberty, IA; grandchildren Misti Edwards (Robert), Tressa Kent, Jason Lilley (Monica), Casey Lilley (Renee), Tara Harwell (Morgan), Charles South (Mallory), Tim Ambler (Alicia), and Eric Ambler; 18 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Vada was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Glenn Ely, Fern Rathbun, Cleo Ely, Merle Ely, Donald Ely and Gene Ely, and her daughter-in-law Susan Cochran Ambler.
Cremation has taken place at Elliott Mortuary. A private graveside service will take place at Fairlawn Cemetery. A memorial service will take place on November 16, 2026 at the Chapel at The Wesley, 3709 Asbury Drive, Hutchinson at 1:30 PM. Friends can sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until the service day at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Wesley, Trinity United Methodist Church, or the Hutchinson Public Library, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
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