Elizabeth Marie Sabatka

Elizabeth Marie Sabatka (Schmidt), 88, of Atwood, KS, passed away on Fri. Oct. 30, 2026, in Greeley, CO. She was born on Jan. 23, 1938, to Joseph and Catherine (Schaffer) Schmidt in Ovid, CO, the third of five children. She attended schools in Julesburg, CO, graduating from Sedgwick County High School in 1956. She received her teaching degree from Colorado State Teachers College, now the University of Northern Colorado, in 1960.

She married Billy Earl (Bill) Collins in Clayton, NM, on June 2, 1964. To this union were born Lisa Mae and Clara Christina “Christi”. Bill died in an accident in 1969. She married Louis Joseph Sabatka on June 7, 1975, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in rural Atwood, KS joining into a family with Louis’ five children: Kenneth, Janiece, Cathy, James (Jim), and John. They were married for 48 years until Louis’ death (2023).

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Louis; first husband Bill; in-laws V.M. and Clara Collins; godparents Jess and Mae Nichols; brother Joe Schmidt; brother-in-law Gene Slattery; sons, Kenneth (age 39) and Jim (age 58).

She is survived by her sisters, Anne Slattery; Barbara (George) Ampagoomian and Cathy (Mike) Ikerd; sister-in-law Connie Schmidt; daughter-in-law Rhonda (Kenneth) Sabatka; daughter Janiece Vohland; daughter Cathy (George) Block; daughter-in-law Linda (Jim) Robb-Sabatka; daughter Lisa (Brad) Moos; son John (Shelly) Sabatka; and daughter Clara (Bob) Erwin. Also survived by 15 grandchildren, Adam (Alexa) Sabatka; Jacque Reinert; Kristen Reinert; Megan (Ben) McInnis; Natalie Block; Emily (Eric) Przybysz; Lauren (Christopher) Watts; Dalton Shoop; Connor and Callie Moos; Randi, Jay and Joe Sabatka; Ben and Samantha Erwin; and seven great-grandchildren.

As a child, Elizabeth was blessed to have a close relationship with her godparents, Jess and Mae Nichols, who continued to nurture and support her in adulthood. She began her teaching career in Cheyenne Wells, CO and taught in Nebraska, Texas, Arizona and Montana in the following years. After the death of her husband, she moved to McDonald, KS to be near her in laws and accepted a position to teach home economics at McDonald High School. She officially retired from teaching when she and Louis married in 1975.

Elizabeth and her girls joined Louis and his children on the farm. She fully embraced life as a farm wife and devoted member of the St John’s community. She was an excellent cook, known for her many signature dishes. Family holidays were special, featuring a huge table adorned with sentimental china, crystal, and silver. Every summer, she enjoyed tending a large garden, having grandchildren spend a week at the farm for the St John’s vacation bible school, and feeding the harvest crews. She was a member of St. John's Altar Society and later held roles with the Salina Diocese and catholic women’s organizations. She was a leader for food and sewing projects in the Beardsley Beavers 4-H club.

Louis and Elizabeth moved to Atwood in 2011 and became active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Elizabeth loved to entertain and host dinners, bridal and baby showers. She was honored to host visiting bishops and prepared meals for the clergy to celebrate feasts and special occasions. She was a skilled seamstress who taught many girls to sew. She enjoyed seeing their outfits win ribbons at the Rawlins County Fair. She loved to collect and display vintage china, teacups and glassware and decorated her home for each season with floral arrangements and whimsical figurines. She proudly supported her grandchildren and many Atwood youth who were dear to her, in their sports, 4-H projects, academic and vocational endeavors. She treasured time with her friends and being an active member of the community, attending as many local events as possible.

Elizabeth enjoyed traveling. She and Louis took road trips throughout the U.S., often with friends. They enjoyed Alaskan cruises, a fall colors tour of the northeast U.S., Hawaii and a Mississippi river boat cruise. Most recently she delighted in some “girls just want to have fun” weekends and extended visits with her daughters.

Special thanks and gratitude to Scott and Robin Moser and family, Moser Funeral & Cremation Service, Evans, CO for taking care of mom and bringing her home to Atwood.

Services will be held at St John Nepomucene Catholic Church, rural Atwood with visitation Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5-7:00pm, followed by Rosary and Vigil at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 10:00am followed by burial at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, rural Atwood. Mass intentions may be offered to St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church or Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Atwood Lion’s Club or The ALS Association at als.org or mailed in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or to leave online condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com