Geraldine M. "Jerry" Stahl

1922 - 2017

Geraldine M. (Jerry) Stahl (94) of Bartlesville died the morning of January 13, 2017. She was born October 14, 1922 in Panama, IL to Charles and Elta Mann. At the age of seven the family moved to Springfield, IL. She received her education in Springfield schools, later working for the Board of Education in the office at Lanphier High School. She and Henry Stahl were married November 21, 1942. In March of 1943, Henry enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II until the end of the war in 1945.
After the war years, they made their home in Elkhart, IL until moving to Oklahoma in 1959. Three years were spent in Tulsa, OK before moving to Bartlesville, OK in the fall of 1962.
The family joined the Methodist church. Jerry remained an active member until her death serving in several areas of ministry in the church. She was a member of the Evangelical Team for 34 years and the prayer group for 30. She also served as secretary for the Administrative Board for two years, President of United Methodist Women and was a trained Stephen minister and served as District Chairperson for Jubilee 83. She was instrumental in organizing Hands Around Bartlesville, a ministry at the Brookhaven Apartments and leading vacation Bible time for mentally challenged children. She worked weekly for 12 years with the Mother's Day Out, later named Children's Day Out. She loved people of all ages and worked with youth groups and adults for several years.
Gardening and writing were her hobbies. She loves God's world so the love of expressing herself in writing about his world brought her much joy. She also was a good cook, cooking for her family not only daily meals, but also in celebrating the many holidays and other special occasions.
Survivors are her children, Janice Bigby, Sperry, OK; Sandra Warren, Bartlesville, OK; Deborah Rice, Owasso, OK; Sheila Benhke, Glendora CA; Gregory Stahl, Fair Oaks, CA; Henry and Jerry Stahl of Bartlesville OK; 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. A sister-in-law, Carol Stahl of Albuquerque, NM. She was also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Charles Stahl; one son, Edwin (Eddie) and two grandsons Chris and Scott Wright. A brother-in-law, Jack Stahl, sister-in-law, Anita Van Pelt, and son-in-law, Wayne Bigby.
Services will be Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 11:00 AM at First Church in Bartlesville. First Church is located at the Southeast corner of Price Road and Madison Blvd with First Church Ministers officiating. Committal will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker-Brown Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First Church in Bartlesville. Online condolences for the family can be made at www.walkerbrownfuneralhome.com.