Dorothy Roberta Stoelting, 98, St. Louis, Mo., and formerly of Ligonier and Lake Wawasee, passed away Oct. 13, 2015. She was born Oct. 8, 1917, in Warsaw, to Merl and Leone Summy Scoles. On March 7, 1942, she married Richard Stoelting, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Warsaw High School in 1935 as the valedictorian and went on to graduate from Indiana University in 1939 with honors. Win or lose, she attended games faithfully and cheered for IU football for 75 straight years. She was a member of Ligonier United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star and served on the Ligonier Public Library board. She was also a Girl Scout leader and one of Ligonier’s most beloved third-grade teachers for many years. She touched countless lives and was a faithful community servant. She was honored for her service as a volunteer at the Ligonier Visitors and Convention Bureau, home of the Ligonier Radio Museum. The Stoelting family was famous for the Pie Pan Christmas Tree they set up in their front yard every year. She enjoyed reading, knitting, solving word puzzles, and playing the piano, often accompanying students at solo competitions. She cherished Lake Wawasee and loved spending time there. Above all she was deeply devoted to her family. Surviving are her loving daughters, Jean (and spouse Kent) Burgess, Bloomington, and Judy (and spouse Gregory) Sanford, St. Louis; seven granddaughters: Karen, Kris, Kathi, Rachel, Jill, Debby, Emily; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert and William Scoles; a son-in-law, Thomas Burgess; and her faithful dog, Sparkles. A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. Calling is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Jean Ness officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Ligonier. ***** Memorials to the Ligonier Public Library. Condolences via www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.
