Stella Marie McGinnis

Stella Marie McGinnis, age 88, of Fredonia, Kansas, died Friday, December 23, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Fredonia. Stella was born February 22, 1923 in Fredonia to James Franklin and Vera Marie (Polson) Amos. After growing up in Fredonia and graduating from Fredonia High School, Class of 1941. Stella moved to Wichita, KS. She worked during World War II at Cessna Aircraft and Beach Aircraft as a welder. Following the war, Stella attended Beauty School and worked at Ivaâ€™s Beauty Shop in Wichita. Stella met Joseph Briton McGinnis in January of 1946, and they were married on September 14, 1946 in Wichita, KS. Stella and Joe established the Vetâ€™s Motor Company, where they worked until relocating to Fredonia in 1951 where they farmed for 44 years. Stella and Joe were married for 49 years until Joeâ€™s death on February 12, 1995. Stella was a member and very active in the First Christian Church of Fredonia. She was a member of the Christian Womenâ€™s Fellowship and she also served as a Deaconess for the church. Stella worked many years cooking and serving church meals for the members of the church and the community. She also worked with Meals on Wheels for many years. Stella is survived by: Two Daughters: Shirley Jeanne (McGinnis) Baker and husband Dean of Leeâ€™s Summit, MO. Janet Marie (McGinnis) Bathurst and husband Ron of Allen, KS Daughter-in-Law: Barbara McGinnis of Fredonia, KS Sister: Ada May Thomsen of Sullivan, IL 10 Grandchildren: Jesse McGinnis and Justin McGinnis and his wife Dixie of Fredonia, KS. Laurie (McGinnis) Harrier and husband Aaron of Port Allegany, PA; Brent Bathurst and wife Cindy of Admire, KS; Russell Bathurst of Reading, KS: Lori Cooper of Fredonia, Angela Speaks of Chanute, Bre Thibodeau of Fredonia; Cynthia Lee of Pleasant Hill, MO and Doug Baker of St. Louis, MO. 13 Great Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren Stella was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joseph; son Jerry McGinnis, and brother Franklyn Amos. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia, with burial to follow at the Fredonia City Cemetery with Pastor Mike Hughes officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday 1 hour prior to service time. Memorials have been suggested to either the First Christian Church of Fredonia, or the Cornerstone Christian Church of Fredonia, and may be left with the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736

Stella Marie McGinnis

February 22, 1923 - December 23, 2011