Mary Lou Stumler

Mary Lou (Kaestner ) Stumler, 80, of Starlight, IN passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her husband in the house they shared for 57 years on Sunday morning March 10, 2013.

She was born Mary Lou Kaestner on April 22, 1932, the first born of the late Louis and Mary Kaestner in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a very proud and loving Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother.

She attended New Albany High School where she was on the Senior Blotter staff and a member of the Music Appreciation Club. She was active in the Future Homemakers of America, and the 4H club where she won numerous awards including a Grand Champion ribbon at the Floyd County Fair and several exhibits at the Indiana State Fair with her sewing skills, which she learned from her mother who was famous for sewing wedding dresses. Mary Lou loved making outfits for her grandchildren and baby blankets for her great-grandchildren, great-nieces, nephews and friends. She was known for her thoughtfulness by always remembering to send birthday, Christmas, and anniversary cards to her very large family as well as her many friends and neighbors. She also enjoyed cooking, numerous craft making, and gardening, and spent many long days working alongside the Stumler family on their farm. After raising her five boys, Mary Lou volunteered and then worked for St. John's Starlight and Borden elementary schools as a teacher's aid and a librarian's assistant for over 30 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mary Kaestner.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Vincent, and her sons Larry (Jo Ellen), Michael (Darlene) and Christopher (Tracey)of Starlight, IN, David (Diane) of Louisville, KY, Kevin (Julie) of Navilleton, IN; grandchildren, Lori Jo Kraemer (Steven), Lisa Jo Lynch (Dennis), Patrick Stumler (Kari), Theresa Dietz (Andy), Elizabeth Crabtree (Jason), Charlene, Dallas (Angel), Andrea Stumler (John Anderle), Cynthia Ferree (Tim), Diana Denman (Brad), Erin Stumler (Jeremy Watts), Evan, Micah, William, and Noah Stumler; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Darlene Koopman (Lawrence), Donald Kaestner (Adelia), Carol Ralph (Rich), James Kaestner (Linda), and Judy Ann Schleicher (Steve).

The family would like to express their sincere and special thanks to her caregivers Melissa and Lori for their dedicated and loving care, as well as the nurses and doctors who took great care of her.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 from 12 to 8 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany). Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Wednesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hosparus – the Community Hospice of Southern Indiana (624 East Market Street, New Albany, IN 47150) or the Alzheimer's Association (6100 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 401, Louisville, KY 40205-3284).