ANDOVER – Madonna L. Stiller, 97, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday (August 29, 2024) at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wellsville.
Mrs. Stiller was born on September 15, 1926 in Minto, N.D. to Stanley T. and Frances (Stoltman) Narlock. She was a 1943 graduate of Minto High School. On May 20, 1950 Madonna married Thomas E. Stiller, who predeceased her on June 4, 2002.
Madonna devoted her life to the care and nurture of her husband and children. In her early years, she worked for Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator and had some experience in accounting.
Madonna is survived by two children, Kenneth Stiller of New Baltimore, MI, and Daniel (Sharon Higgins) Stiller of Andover, NY; a daughter-in-law, Danell (Larry) Stiller-Pulliam of Lakewood, FL; a brother, Dennis Narlock of Rochester, MI; a sister, Patricia Riski-(Herb)Schmitz of Anchorage, AK; a sister-in-law, Carol (Terry) Gallagher of Tumwater, WA; 11 grandchildren, Stacey (Steven) Fisher, Laura (Rameen) Naghib, Craig (Josephita) Stiller, Chelsea Stiller, Lynelle Peasall-(Eric)Gauld, Cameron (Summer) Copeland, Morgan (Blake) Martin, Bethany (David) Enders, Sarah (Martin) Huckabone, Thomas (Sarah) Stiller, Andrew Stiller; and 15 great grandchildren, Jacob Fisher, Gabriella Fisher, Myles Althoff-Stiller, Mina Naghib, Christelle Peasall, Chevelle Gauld, Scarlett Gauld, Mackenzie Copeland, Tristan Copeland, Jaylen Copeland, Aspyn Copeland, Peyton Martin, Gabriel Huckabone, Aria Huckabone, and Joshua Huckabone.
In addition to her husband of 52 years, Madonna was preceded in death by two sons, Marvin Stiller and Gary Stiller; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Stiller; five siblings, Raymond (Gertrude) Narlock, Lorraine (George) Wylot, Frances “Toodie” (Lynus) Sobolik; Ervin “Shorty” Narlock and Richard “Dick” Narlock; brother-in-law, Dennis Riski; and sisters-in-law, Arlene Narlock, Sharon Narlock, and Kathryn Narlock.
Madonna was born on a farm in North Dakota and spent her growing years there as well. With ten people in the family there was always work to be done. In the days before sliced bread she often complained to anyone who would listen her disdain for this daily chore. My how things have changed. She worked diligently as a paid farmhand in her teen years harvesting red potatoes to pay for high school, which at that time was not free. Her favorite subject was accounting which proved valuable to her over the years.
Madonna was a child of the Great Depression as well as experiencing the mandatory rationing of World War II in her early teens. As a result. she developed a lifestyle of frugality and saving just about anything that could be saved. If she saw groceries on sale that the kids/grandkids used, she would “stock up” on those items to give away! During the war, she lied about her age at the Red Cross so that she could give blood for the war effort.
Madonna spent countless hours gardening, both flowers and vegetables—and loads of rhubarb. She loved canning tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as making jams, jellies, and rhubarb sauce. Madonna also took great pleasure in cooking and baking.
Madonna was both ambitious and energetic. She had a sweet disposition and a sense of joy that became even more evident as she grew older. She loved her children and grandchildren greatly, and was especially delighted by the great grandchildren as they were constant inspiration for her smiles. Madonna had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus.
There will be a time of visitation at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover on Sunday (September 1) from 2-4 p.m. Her funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation with her son, Rev. Daniel Stiller, officiating. On Tuesday (September 3) at 11:00 a.m. Madonna’s Detroit family will honor her with a service at The Garden Chapel at Mount Olivet Cemetery after which she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Thomas E. Stiller. On line condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com. © 2024 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
Sending our condolences for your loss.
Will send a donation in Donna ‘s memory to the our local Union Gospel Mission. They give a hand up not a hand out.
Carol Narlock-Gallagher
Really great woman. Left a place in my heart that I will never forget you Madonna.