Elvera Stelter, 81 / April 27, 1929 — Oct. 23, 2010
Published 3:01 am Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Elvera Esther Stelter, 81, of Baroda, passed away Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 of natural causes at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St Joseph while surrounded by her loving family.
Elvera was born on April 27, 1929 in St. Joseph, and lived in the area all of her life. She graduated from St. Joseph High School. After high school Elvera worked at J. C. Murphy’s in St. Joe, and also at Sunshine Perennial Gardens, along with running the family farm in Baroda with her husband Floyd.
Elvera Stelter, 81
She had many interests beginning with the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville, where she participated in the choir, Ladies’ Aid and the OWLS. She was an active volunteer who worked at local elections and other area functions throughout her life. She enjoyed the outdoors, with flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds being her favorites in nature.
Elvera was a devoted wife and mother and loved spending time with the family, playing games and working puzzles. She was an extremely kind and generous person, who always looked for the positive in everyone and everything. She brought out the best in those around her, and quickly became loved by people she met throughout her long and happy life. She was also a strong woman who worked on the family’s grape farm while raising her children and running the household.
She was married to Floyd Stelter for 54 years before his passing in 2004. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Christine, who died at birth.
Elvera is survived by her children, Kathleen (Larry) Baginske, Carol Stelter, Keith (Marysia) Stelter and Julie Stelter; grandchildren, Lisa Baginske, Michelle (Adam) Hardaway, Madeline Stelter and Katherine Stelter. She had no siblings but is also survived by a sister-in-law, Albertina (Charles) Watkins.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran, 2673 West John Beers Rd., Stevensville.
The visitation will be held today from 5 to 7 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.
Elvera will be interred in the Ruggles Cemetery in Baroda.
All memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
