Ella Marie Stillabower

September 27, 1938 - March 9, 2018

Ella Marie Stillabower, 79, passed away Friday, March 9, 2018 in Joplin, Missouri. Ella was born September 27, 1938 in Jasper, MO to Glenn and Velma “Davidson” Teeter. She graduated from Jasper High School in 1956, after which she was employed by the Kress Five and Dime on the Carthage Square. About that time, she was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes, which she successfully managed for more than 60 years. Her doctors were amazed at her ability to manage it so well. Later, she went to work for the Farmers Exchange in Jasper. Her father passed away when she was only 12 years old, but Ella was extremely helpful to her mother in raising the other seven children ranging from 15 months to 10 years old. Ella was a member of Christs Church of Perseverance and very active until her health started to fail. She played piano for church services, as well as for worship services at nursing homes. She loved God; read her Bible and prayed daily. She loved playing Bible games and solitaire on her computer. Ella was united in marriage to Clarence Stillabower in 1962; he preceded her in death in 1994. Ella is survived by her son, Jeff Stillabower (Sharon Heisten) of Carthage; granddaughter, Anna Stillabower of Joplin; four sisters, Laura Simcoe (Roger), Betty Trimble (William) both of Kansas City, MO, Doris Henderson (Charles) of Springfield, MO, Nancy Underwood of Racine, WI; two brothers, John Teeter (Carol) of Fairbanks, AK and Arthur Teeter (Kathy) of Logan, UT. She is preceded in death by her husband and brother, Bob Teeter, in 2007. Bob’s wife, Pam, survives. The family wishes to thank Joplin Gardens and Avalon Hospice for their excellent care and compassion. We appreciate them very much. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Ulmer Funeral Home. Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at Summerset Cemetery northwest of Avilla, MO. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christs Church of Perseverance in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Online condolence may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.