Stella E. McNeil

Stella E. McNeil, 101, of Walhalla ND, passed away October 5, 2020, at the Pembilier Nursing Center with her daughter and granddaughter by her side.

Stella Hooey was born May 21, 1919 near Dresden, ND to Ezekiel and Sarah (Bigelow) Hooey.  Stella was the 11th child in a family of 12.  The Hooey family moved to the Walhalla area the year that she was born.  She attended the Hogie Country School.

On July 11, 1937, Stella married Robert McNeil in Walhalla, ND.  Together they purchased a farm east of Walhalla where they farmed until 1971. Robert passed away November 18, 2004.

Stella’s focus was caring for her family.  She helped in the fields, was an excellent comfort foods cook, hand stitched, and quilted.  Family and friends looked forward to the fudge and short bread she made, for the holidays.

Survivors include her daughter Gaylene (David) Massey of Bismarck, and their children Jonathan (Staci) Massey, Sarah (Todd Reamann) Massey, both from Bismarck, Daughter-in-Law Jackie McNeil of Bismarck, her children Steve (Noreen) McNeil of Bismarck, Beth (Jason) Gorsz of Dillworth, MN, Michael (Alisha) McNeil of Lincoln, ND, 12 great-grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son Mylo, son Gary McNeil, grandson Doug McNeil, and sisters: Alice Armstrong, Myrtle Dalzell, Florence Miller, Eva Baker, Ruby Hoff, Dorothy Hoff, Minnie Dalzell; and brothers Levi, Ray, Herman, and Howard Hooey.

A private family service will be held at the Walhalla, ND Lutheran Church.In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Pembilier Nursing Center.