Stella McKee

Stella B. Adams McKee, 92, of Cape Girardeau left this world after an extended illness to be with Jesus in her heavenly home on Friday, July 2, 2010, at Monticello House.

She was born Jan. 6, 1918, at Millersville daughter of Henry Zach and Zettie Estelle Hahs. She and Farris Everett Adams were married April 25, 1937, at Bloomfield, Mo. On Sept. 7, 1961, Stella lost her beloved husband to a lengthy battle with cancer. On Sept. 6, 1966, in Anna, Ill., she married Thermon O. McKee, who passed away following a lenghthy illness in July of 1978.

Stella, best known by friends and family as "Granny," worked at the Florshiem Shoe Co. from 1945 to 1983. She was an inspector and repair technician during her 35-year career at Florsheim.

Stella was best known for her hard work, strong faith, kindness and having compassion and love for everyone she met. No one ever left her home hungry, because anyone who visited was treated to the finest of meals or delicious desserts.

Stella was always ready to help her four children and many grandchildren anytime she could. If there was a party or family get-together and she wasn't asked to cook something, she was nearly offended.

Stella enjoyed playing Chicken Tracks with dominos and working word search puzzles. Stella could always be found on the front porch swing watching the deer, wild turkeys and other wild game eat from her feeders. She also enjoyed watching the wild turkeys and other game come to the window and tap the pane to remind her to feed them.

Survivors include her four children: three daughters, Jo Ann Henley, Jenny Willard, Jeri Hengst and a son, Robert "Butch" Adams, all of Cape Girardeau; 12 grandchildren, Danny Monroe, Donna McLain, Ruth Simmons, Kim Thompson, Sarah Pickens, Karen Steger, Jimmy Deevers, Robbie Hengst, Greg Hengst, Cindy Stovall, Staci Pebble, Farris Adams, all of the Cape Girardeau and Jackson area; 31 great-grandchildren; 26 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Jack Hahs of Cape Girardeau; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers; two sisters; her beloved husband Farris and her loving husband Thermon; a grandchild; and her parents.

Stella was a member of Red Star Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park cemetery.

The family would like to thank Southeast Hospice and the Monticello House for the compassionate care given to Granny. Memorial contributions are suggested to Red Star Baptist Church, Southeast Hospice or a charity of choice.