Stella Thoelke, age 102, of White, died Monday, March 21, 2011, at the White Healthcare Center. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 26, 2011, at Zion Lutheran Church in White, with interment in Fairview Cemetery. Visitations will be from 4-7 P.M. Friday at Eidsness Funeral Chapel in White.

Stella Ophelia (Cameron) Thoelke was born February 19, 1909, at White, South Dakota, to Riley and Mary Edna (Scadden) Cameron. She was a 1926 graduate of White High School, later attending Eastern State Teachers College, finishing her degree in 1928. She taught grades one through eight in a one-room country school.

On May 16, 1930, Stella was united in marriage to Arthur Thoelke, also of White. After their marriage, Stella gave up teaching to focus on the family farm with Art. They had two sons.

Stella was a woman of deep faith. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church for many years. Her teaching skills were put to good use as many a former Sunday School student of Stellas can attest. She never had a harsh word for anyone. As the years went by and Stella approached 100, many people came to her interested in the history of the region and all the life experiences she had been through. Her great attitude along with sharp mind made her a pleasure to be with. Her life was a blessing!

Grateful for having shared her life are her two sons: Douglas Thoelke of Sioux Falls and Richard (Sharon) Thoelke of Seattle, Washington; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Art, in 1975; two sisters, Hester and Virginia; a brother, John; a great-granddaughter, Megan; and a daughter-in-law, Janice.