Stella Hanlon, "Little Gram", will be laid to rest in a casket made by her grandson, a master carpenter, but she will reside forever in a home prepared for her by her Master Carpenter, Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ. Stella was born on October 3, 1919, she was welcomed home Monday, February 25, 2013. Stella came to New Mexico from Pennsylvania in 1972, and has since resided in Veguita. Widowed at age 42, she raised a family of two daughters and three sons through hard work, determination, and faith. The people and things that mattered to her mattered deeply. Stella had a strong love for her country and prayed that it would return to its Biblical foundations. The people who employed her to clean their homes found they'd added another member to their families - someone who cared for them, prayed for them, and, often, even scolded them! Stella was passionate about missions, praying for the lost and those reaching out to them. Her prayers often led her to investments from her small savings and her time and efforts. Stella loved her church – faithfully praying for all that were a part of it. Stella became "Little Gram" to everyone there. Everyone looked forward to her donuts in October, and her homemade bread at Christmas. Grandma loved her family. Stella continually interceded for all. Stella especially looked forward to Christmas with her whole family crowded into her overheated house. Stella worked year-round so she was able to give gifts to everyone. Stella loved being surrounded by her family. But most of all, Stella loved her Lord. Her passion was for all to come to a saving knowledge of her Jesus, who forgave her sins, and welcomed her home. Stella truly could not have survived without His loving care. If you dropped in at her house, chances were good that you would find her in prayer, or reading His Word.
Stella is survived by two daughters, Audrey Handley and her husband, David of Veguita and Stella "Snooki" Ridley and her husband Len, also of Veguita, three sons, Art Hanlon and his wife, Cheryl of Titusville, PA, Allan Hanlon and his wife, Rose of Veguita and Ronnie Hanlon and his wife, Elaine of Stoneboro, PA, 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren!
Services will be at Chihuahua Bible Chapel in Veguita on Friday, March 1, 2013. A viewing will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Chihuahua Bible Chapel Cemetery.
The family has asked, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to any of the following organizations in memory of Stella: New Mexico Right to Life, Valencia County Chapter of Albuquerque Care Net (please specify Valencia County), or Focus On the Family.