Jean Ellen Stahl

Jean Ellen Stahl, 82, of Clarksburg, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Valley Park West in California, MO.

She was born on January 29, 1943, a daughter of George and Ethel Irene (Embry) Newkirk. On July 14, 1961, at the First Baptist Church in Tipton she married William Lee “Bill” Stahl. They were married 63 years before he preceded her in death on July 28, 2024.

Jean graduated as Valedictorian of the Tipton High School Class of 1961. Her intelligence, strong work ethic, and compassionate nature guided her through a lifelong commitment to her family, church, and community. Jean worked at Farm Bureau Insurance, several local grocery stores, and most recently at Tipton Latham Bank, where she served her community with warmth and dedication.

Jean accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior on March 7, 1952, at the tender age of nine — a decision that shaped her life of service and devotion. She was a proud charter member of Tipton Community Baptist Church, where she served on numerous committees over the years. Her faith extended beyond the church walls; she was active in the Women's Auxiliary of the Gideons, served on the Moreau Cemetery Board, and faithfully taught children's Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. Jean was also an AWANA leader, impacting countless young lives with her nurturing spirit and biblical wisdom.

Her love for music was a gift she shared freely. Jean sang soprano both in the church choir and with her family’s gospel music group, Glory Road Singers, lifting hearts through her beautiful voice.

In July 1996, Jean expanded her ministry by helping to start a women's prison Bible study, demonstrating her commitment to sharing the love and hope of Christ with everyone, no matter their circumstances.

Jean’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of Christian witness, community service, and family devotion that will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Survivors include her three children, Debbie Caton (Jim), of Clarksburg, Lisa Ecton (Don), of Russellville, and Brian Stahl, of California; ten grandchildren, Ashley Plummer (Brandon), Billy Caton (Claire), Leanna Brown, Bobby Caton (Avery), Kayla Calef (Carter), Karin Ratcliff, Kyle Blankenship (Rheanna), Kenton Blankenship (Jordan), Jeremy Stahl (Kasey), and Caleb Stahl; two step-grandchildren, Eric Ecton and Joshua Ecton (Morgan); 16 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Newkirk of Bunceton, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to both of her parents and her husband Bill she was preceded in death by one sister. Marjorie Ann Mortenson.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Tipton. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Tipton Community Baptist Church. Burial will be in Moreau Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Tipton Community Baptist Church.