MARY THELMA (BURCH) STONEBERGER

Mary Thelma (Burch) Stoneberger, 83, of Montgomery City, MO, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 8:00 pm at the New Florence Nursing and Care Center.

Mary was born on September 29, 1934, in Ripley County, MO. She was the oldest daughter and the second of twelve children born to Ira Jay and Ada Bell (Niswonger) Burch. At the age of 15, Mary began working as a live-in babysitter and housekeeper for several families in and near Doniphan, MO. In 1952, she moved to St. Louis at the age of 18 and found employment as a factory worker making radio parts and at the Branchell/Hellmich Manufacturing Company making Melmac dishware. Mary also bought her first sewing machine and began making and selling circle skirts with a single seam made from upholstery fabric. Much of the money she earned after leaving her childhood home was used to help provide for her younger siblings. In 1957, Mary was introduced to her future spouse by her cousin, Helen Duffey and husband, Irving, who was in the Army with the young Montgomery County farmer. Mary was married to Freddie "Joe" Stoneberger on February 15, 1958, by Brother Herbert Pape at the Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO. A surprise reception by the church family followed the ceremony. Mary moved to rural Montgomery County with her new husband and resided there until after Joe's death in 2007. Mary moved into Montgomery City, MO, in 2009 where she resided until succumbing to a stroke and subsequent illness which contributed to her death. She was a resident and received excellent care at the New Florence Nursing and Care Center for 10 months.

Mary was happiest being a homemaker and farm wife. She worked as a Montgomery County school bus driver for Saak Oil Company of Montgomery City and Sutor Brothers of Jonesburg, MO. She also worked as a home health aide in Montgomery County for Upjohn Healthcare Services for ten years.

Mary was a member of the Helping Hand Extension Club and a leader in the Handy Helpers 4-H Club. She was a member of the Montgomery County Craft Club and the Piecemakers Guild of Montgomery City, MO. Mary became a member of both First Baptist Church of Montgomery City and, most recently, of Faith Baptist Church of Montgomery City where she served as a church secretary, Bible School teacher, and Sunday School teacher for nearly forty years.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Edna Kay Burch and Ada Marie Welch; and her husband, Joe.

Mary is survived by her children: Joy (Bill) Williams of Liberty, MO, Vicki (Calvin) Jesberg of Quincy, IL, and Scott (Vickie) Stoneberger of Montgomery City, MO; her grandchildren: Jessica Stoneberger of Kansas City, and Katie and Jason Stoneberger of Montgomery City, MO; her siblings: Junior (Toni) Burch, Wanda Moore, Betty (Bob) Shonk, Bob (Carol) Burch, Fran (Dale) Pringle, and Tom Burch all of Doniphan, MO; Gene (Nicky) Burch of Lake Havasu City, AZ; Dean Brooks of Burkburnett, TX; Ed (Karen) Burch of Biggers, AR; and a large extended family.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 PM for Mary on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the Faith Baptist Church in Montgomery City, MO.  Visitation was held from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the Church.  Alan Brake officiated and interment was at the Montgomery City Cemetery on Friday, January 19, 2018.

Mary's faith in God, love of family, kindness to others, and service to her church and community will be remembered by her friends and family and she will be dearly missed by those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial contributions be made to the Faith Baptist Church, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361.