Stella Guenther Celebration of Life - Peace Lutheran Church

Stella was born February 13^th 1939 to Edith Rose and Nicholas P Morgan in Portland Oregon. She was raised in Portland with her sister Doreen. She met Roman while attending Cleveland High School in southeast Portland. They spent most of their time together in high school, including being on rally squad together. After graduation, they were married on July 26^th 1958 at Trinity Baptist Church in Portland.

Roman and Stella started their life together in Portland but quickly moved to Fairfax Virginia when Roman was drafted. It was there they welcomed the first of 3 sons, Roman Ernest. After Roman was discharged from the army, they moved to Seattle where their second son Scott was born. Shortly after, they returned to Portland where Stella enjoyed working as receptionist and personal assistant at a large trucking company. They also welcomed their youngest son David in Portland.

In 1971, the family moved to the Corvallis/Philomath area and eventually settled on the Woods Creek Property. While the kids were in school Roman and Stella began to run a small luncheon shop that was a favorite in Philomath for sandwiches, soups and salads. Some of David’s fondest memories are of sitting at the counter having a slice of pie after school! They left the restaurant in the mid 70’s and Stella decided to focus heavily on volunteering and community involvement.

As a school board member for a number of years she was able to be involved in shaping the way the school district was run including the hiring of a new superintendent. After leaving the school board, she worked for a number of years at PSD in the Title One area. When all the kids had graduated she spent much more time on her property, planting and improving the gardens, flowers and edibles that provided joy for all who visited. In the late 90’s she became more involved in the political scene, joining and eventually guiding the Republican Women’s group. Annual events including formal dinners, pancake breakfasts, holiday wreaths, fair booths and providing thousands of dictionaries to 3^rd grade students throughout Benton and Linn Counties, became her yearly tasks consuming most of her time and energy while also providing her great joy!

Stella’s priorities always remained Faith and Family. Church was one of her happiest places, for years at Christ Life in Salem and later here at Peace Lutheran in Philomath. She made deep connections with her friends in church and community finding ways to show she cared. Whether helping someone move or taking a meal, she could be counted on for a warm smile and kind word. Stella loved organizing and hosting the annual Guenther family reunion and was never happier than when cooking for friends and loved ones. Grandchildren were welcomed and pampered on the Woods Creek property. While Roman played short order cook, Stella baked acres of chocolate chip cookies, provided toys and set up sleeping areas. She loved puttering in the garden with a young one in tow, showing off flowers and picking delicacies with Madison. She would cheerfully cook all the craw-dads captured by Jayce and provided aquariums for the many snakes and lizards lovingly brought to her. (All released safely the same day) Holiday gifts and laughter with Thomas and Sebastian, helping Derek pick out the next Scooby Doo movie, watching Carson and Ryan on the mini-trampoline, and of course pool time with Amanda, Kaitlyn, Josie and all the grandchildren.

Hours spent in the cool shade wading in the creek on hot summer days. A custom sandbox in a huge plastic ship. Scooters, tri-cycles, big-wheels, tractors, so many toys to ride on and race down the driveway. Thick yummy fudge on 2^nd Christmas. Sledding down the deck steps in winter, landing in a snowy pile and diving into a refreshing pool in summer! Roast beast sandwiches with au jus and ketchup at the kids table on the deck. Hot dogs with crispy buns from the hot diggety-dogger. These are just a few of the wonderful memories her grandchildren cherish.

In the early 2000’s Stella was diagnosed with dementia. The disease progressed slowly at first but took a toll even in the early days. The uncertainty of the future, the unknown of the disease and the knowledge that cherished memories would soon begin to fade weighed heavily. As the disease progressed, her fear and confusion became more pronounced while at the same time her body stayed healthy and active. We are so thankful for places like Grace Center that were able to actively engage her and provide a safe social setting where she could continue to shine a few days a week even as verbal skills declined. Stella remained physically active until the last two days which is truly amazing. Although she was nearly non-verbal, her eyes would light up when a new face came to visit and she could whisper small endearments. She loved listening to soft music and responded to her favorite hymns with a gentle rocking, eyes closed and a smile on her face.

Stella was admitted into the Hospice program with Lumina on Friday June 7^th which allowed her to stay at home. Her nurse came daily to check vitals, adjust medications and help us ease her transition. She slipped quietly into eternal rest at 10:20pm June 12^th 2024 holding David’s hand and listening to Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling.

A dear friend who was a care-giver to her mother living with dementia for 22 years said this after her mother’s death:

“We have grieved her passing for many years. We have grieved the loss of the woman we knew and loved. We have watched the changes, the anguish and fear that this disease has caused not only to her but to her friends and loved ones and we have watched her slowly lose connection with each of them. So this goodbye feels almost hopeful. This goodbye feels like a blessed moment. Heartbreaking and joyful in equal measure.”

We are grateful that her transition was mercifully quick, that she is at peace and that she is with her Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen.