Stelma Dunn's Obituary
MATTOON, IL - Stelma E. Dunn, age 95 of Mattoon, passed peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Brookstone Estates in Charleston. Visitation will be Monday, December 30, 2019 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. The Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday with Reverend Richard Eident officiating. Burial will follow at Campground Cemetery located southwest of Mattoon in Paradise Township. Donations in her honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Stelma was born July 17, 1924 in Strasburg, Illinois, a daughter of Paul C. and Gertrude B. (Gill) Volkman. She married Delbert D. Dunn on November 7, 1942 and they celebrated 76 years of marriage prior to his death on July 20, 2019. Stelma is survived by three children, Linda Eagleson and husband Gene of Mattoon, Betty Hofstetter and husband Floyd of Lemont, Illinois and James Dunn and wife Patsy of Charleston; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" Dunn of Springfield, Illinois; eight grandchildren,Theresa Eagleson and fiancé Brian Shaw, Michael Eagleson, Andrea Taylor and husband Dann, Bradley Hofstetter, Teresa Winnett and husband Frank, Christi Winnett and husband Kent, Jared Dunn, and Jamey Thomason and husband Drew; several great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Stelma was also preceded by a son, Robert Dunn; a grandchild and great-grandchild; two brothers and a sister.
Stelma was honored as Salutatorian of her graduating class at Strasburg High School. In 1963 she went to work at General Electric in Mattoon, where she was employed until her retirement. For many years, Stelma and Delbert were members of the Christian Church in Gays, Illinois where she was actively involved as Superintendent of the Sunday School Department and a teacher. She and Delbert later joined First Christian Church in Mattoon. She was also formerly a member of the Loyal Order of Eastern Star, serving as a past worthy matron. Stelma always put her family first, and when she decided her children needed to experience membership in the 4-H program, she re-established the Paradise Skippers 4-H Club and served as their leader for over 15 years.
Stelma's hands were never idle and her strong work ethic was to be admired. She helped with their small family farm and kept busy with a multitude of other interests. She enjoyed gardening, raising vegetables to feed her family and tending to her beautiful flower gardens, making certain fresh flowers were on the church altar every Sunday. She also loved to crochet and quilt - needles and skeins of yarn would often accompany her even on family vacations.
Most importantly, Stelma was a Christian woman with a deep and abiding faith that served as a foundation for her life. She was blessed with a servant's heart always considerate and helpful to others, and was a role model, not only for her family but for all who knew her. Stelma was dearly loved by her family and even though she will be greatly missed, she has gifted them with a legacy of precious and treasured memories.
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