Stella S. Mafte

She was born April 3rd, 1932 in Belleville, Illinois to William and Susan (Wilson) Kaemmerer.

She married Douglas Mafte on June 25, 1949, and gave birth to their son Kevin, on December 5, 1955.

She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 11 years of age, in the summer of 1943.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, William and Sue, husband Douglas and her brothers, Melvin and Calvin.

She is survived by son, Kevin (Melodee) Mafte of Freeburg, Illinois, granddaughters, Shannon (Tom) Rojas of St. Charles, MO, Michelle (Steve) Janko of Mascoutah, IL, grandson, Jeremy (Adrienne) Mafte of Mascoutah, IL, foster son, Michael (Heather) Hasty of Springfield, MO and 11 great grandchildren, Braden and Micah Cripe, Wyatt, Hattie and Darby Janko, Stella Mafte and Kyra Bagley, Seth, Mason, Peyton and Kennedy Hasty. Of note, her beloved Westie, Sadie is also survived by her.

Stella was a retired Bookkeeper. She worked at Ramada Inn of Fairview Heights, Panorama Lanes of Belleville, IL, as well as fostering children in need for 19 years. She had an immense passion for animals, as well as gardening and landscaping. She was never without at least two pets by her side and her home never presented in less than paradisiac conditions; with multicolored rose gardens, trellises of climbing blooms, hills of flowing flocks and borders of bushes far and wide across her land.

Her dining preferences were simple, with IHOP, Hardee’s, Captain D’s and anything sweet tickling her taste buds. But even in her final years, her hands remained busy in the kitchen making everything from pie dough and brownies, to stuffed peppers and meatloaf dinners.

Those who knew her well, knew she was fondly known as “Biennie” from the generation before her, “Bonnie” from the generation after her, “Grandma Bonnie” or “Grandma B” from her grandchildren, and “Grammy Bonnie” from her great-grandchildren.

She was feisty and strong willed, and was known to go toe-to-toe with her two year old great grandchild, exuding satisfaction in having never “lost a battle”. She loved to help others and had a giving spirit, always volunteering to buy clothes, or meals, show up to babysit, or help with house and yard-work. This was not asked of her, she simply enjoyed doing it.

We’d like to thank Family Hospice of Belleville, IL including: Matt, Jane and Dr. Raben, and especially Nurse Tamara, for caring for her with pure endearment during her most difficult days. Thank-you.

Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Per Stella’s wishes, Rites of Cremation have been accorded.

Memorials may be made to Family Hospice of Belleville, IL or Jehovah’s Witnesses at JW.org.