Stella Ruth Moreland

Stella Ruth Moreland, 96, of Midland, formerly of Livonia, passed away on August 27 at Stratford Village, Midland, MI. She was born August 17, 1917 in Bridgeport, CT to the late Adolf and Pauline (Truniec)Celacks. In 1934 she married the love of her life, Ira L. Moreland. Stella was a very loving wife and mother who devoted all of her time to family and community. Her magnetic personality attracted people where ever she went. She was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church and was very active in church work. She also was very active in the public schools.In her earlier years she taught Sunday School, participated in women's groups, was president of school PTA's, was room mother at the elementary schools, and was a Brownie and Girl Scout helper. She especially enjoyed sewing and cooking, and took great pride in making everything very artistic.Family members could hardly wait to see and sample her wonderful Christmas cookies each year. After her husband died she moved to Livonia. There she joined the Moondusters Club, was active in the volunteer group RSVP, became active at Newburg United Methodist Church and the Sunshine Group there, and belonged to several senior groups in the area. She loved ballroom dancing and traveling. As a member of the Nomad Travel Club, she took the trip of her lifetime in 1982: a trip around the world. In 1995 she was appointed Commissioner by the Mayor of Livonia to the Commission on Aging where she served for eleven years until moving to Midland. She received many honors and awards for her volunteer services. Stella is survived by three daughters: Ethel (Kenneth) Hoenicke of Midland, Ilene (Thomas) Hazen of Belleville, Carol (Alan) Ford of Crossville TN; eight grandchildren: Roger (Terri) Ibach, Dr. Eric (NIcole) Hoenicke, Kim (Steve) DeGregorio, Dr. David (Alana) Hoenicke, Charlotte (Nick) Barkley, Rev. Jeff (Jessica) Ford, Scott (Kathleen) Hoenicke, and Nathan Ford; thirteen great-grandchildren: Steven DeGregorio, Ashlie Ibach, Anthony DeGregorio, Shelbi Ibach, Adam Ibach, Karialena DeGregorio, Jayden Ford, Jocelyn Hoenicke, J. Westley Ford, Stella Barkley, Maisy Barkley, Maddon Barkley, and Lauren Hoenicke; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Stella was preceded in death by her husband Ira; one sister, Anna; three brothers, Benjamin, Joseph, and Lawrence; nephew Bernard Celacks, niece Gloria Celacks; and stepfather, Walter Kowlin. Stella's family will receive friends at Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, MI on August 29th from 6-8 p.m. She will lie in state at Newburg United Methodist Church, 36500 Ann Arbor Trail from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 30th. The Reverend Steve McCoy will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Newburg United Methodist Church of Livonia or the charity of choice in Stella's memory.