Stella M. (nee Johnson) (Smith) Cohrs age 95 of Westbrook passed away Thursday, August 6, 2015 at Sanford Westbrook Medical Center. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at the Westbrook Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Dovray. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Stella M. (nee Johnson) (Smith) Cohrs was born August 21, 1919 in Dovray Township, Murray County, Minnesota to Elmer and Sabina (Comnick) Johnson. She was baptized September 14, 1919 and confirmed July 30, 1933. She attended school at District 111, District 97, and later at Westbrook High School. Stella was united in marriage to Clayton H. Smith on October 16, 1938, and he later died on August 15, 1955. Stella then married Otto C. Cohrs on September 10, 1958, and he passed away on April 24, 2006. Stella made her home in Dovray, Westbrook and Windom, before returning to Westbrook for the remainder of her life. She was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook where she was involved with the WELCA and serving groups, Bible Study, choir, library committee, and was a Sunday School teacher. She was Treasurer of Pleasant View Cemetery for 52 years, and enjoyed keeping busy with Murray County Home Extension. Stella loved oil painting, crocheting and knitting, baking, gardening, and helping her friends and neighbors.
Stella is survived by her daughter Karen K. Smith of Motley; grandchildren: Kimberley Mielke, Lisa Mielke, Lara Hernandez, and William (Georgette) Mielke; 6 great-grandchildren: Kyrra (Beau) Crandell, Jesse Laue, Austin and Cecilia Hernandez, Camden and Christopher Mielke; 3 great-great-grandchildren: Lila, Katrina, and Owen Crandell. She is also survived by her brother, Donald Johnson of Apple Valley; sister Dorothy Gebhard of Fresno, CA; sister-in-law Lois Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands Clayton Smith and Otto Cohrs, special friend Donald Peterson, brothers Archie E. Johnson and Harold Johnson, sister-in-law Jean Johnson, and brother-in-law Ghent “Geb” Gebhard.
sory for your lose unfortionly we ont be ther for you all. linda went back to work so she will be working. godbles you all
Dear Karen, Kim, and other members of Stella’s family…..My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. I know you are cherishing your memories of happy times with her.
I remember that one year the WELCA was making Chrismons for the church tree. Stella and Otto had peacocks, and when she hung out one of the Chrismons (she had crocheted) on the clothes line to dry, the peacocks didn’t like it, and fussed profusely over the decoration. Also, every Christmas I put Stella’s crocheted angel on the top of the Christmas tree which I had asked her to make for Ronnie and me. I brought it to IA last year, and will still place it on my tree every year! I’ll think of her fondly then, and many other times throughout the coming years. Special greetings to you, Kim. I enjoyed knowing you when you were in Westbrook for awhile. Email or Facebook me if you like. Love and prayers for all of you. Eunie Christensen
So sorry for your loss. I just heard that Stella passed today, August 11th, 6:00 pm Stella was such an artist and I always enjoyed visiting with her. May she rest in peace.
Carol Hovde
I a very sorry for the loss of your mother. Take care of yourself and we will talk to you when u get home. Hugs Love you Jo.