Lavina L. Stolte

Lavina L. Stolte, 99, of Otterbein Cridersville, formerly of Wapakoneta, was born in New Knoxville, OH, on Nov. 25, 1914, the daughter of Christian and Sarah (Kuck) Melter. She passed away on July 10, 2014, at Otterbein Cridersville. She was a 1932 graduate of New Knoxville High School. On Nov. 9, 1935, she married Robert F. Stolte, the love of her life, who preceded her in death on May 10, 1994. She had been a resident of Otterbein Cridersville since 1996. Lavina was also predeceased by her parents, sister Adelia Hulsmeyer, brother Carl Melter, nephew Wayne Hulsmeyer, niece Judy Garman, sister-in-law Dorothy Stienecker and brother-in-law Forrest Stolte. She is survived by her son, Steve (Mardy) Stolte of Marysville, OH, her grandson Andrew (Jennifer) Stolte also of Marysville, niece Irene Howe of New Knoxville, and sister-in-law Charlene Rasmussen of Claremont, CA. Lavina was a homemaker and secretary of the family businesses, R.F. Stolte Builders and Pikasto Builders. She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wapakoneta. She was past president of the St. Paul UCC Women’s Guild, Wapakoneta Soroptimist Club, and the Wapakoneta Flying Club. In 1961, she represented the Ohio Chapter of the International Flying Farmers as their queen. Lavina and Bob were avid flyers, owning four Piper aircraft during their flying days. She was the first woman in Auglaize County to earn a private pilot’s license. Lavina was a Cincinnati Reds fan since the 1930s, loved dancing and playing her organ and cherished a good game of gin or euchre. She enjoyed quilt making, crocheting “love” doilies and making “daisy chain” necklaces. She volunteered on civic and Otterbein committees and was a devoted tutor of Cridersville Elementary School students. Lavina will be remembered for her engaging smile, outgoing personality, vivid and thorough memory and many wonderful friendships. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wed. July 16, 2014, at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, Pastor Lynn Huffman officiating. Lavina will be laid in her final resting place alongside her husband Bob at Resthaven Memory Gardens. Calling hours will be 5-8 p.m., Tues. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Otterbein Cridersville Benevolent Fund, 100 Red Oak Dr., Cridersville, OH 45806.

Lavina L. Stolte

November 25, 1914 - July 10, 2014