Esther June Stout McDonnel, 98, of Cookeville, Tennessee, passed away Sept. 24, 2024.
She loved life, her family and friends. She loved everyone that she met and made lifelong friends with neighbors and others that she encountered in every walk of life.
Love for her family was her priority in life. She was devoted to her seven children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her love and dedication also extended to her sons-in-law and daughters-in-law as well.
She had a lifelong devotion to her roots in southern Indiana and had a deep love for her parents, brothers and sisters. That love extended to her many cousins, nieces and nephews as well.
She was easy to love.
Born July 23, 1926, June was reared in Paoli, Indiana. After graduation from high school, she moved to Detroit, Michigan, to work during World War II. It was then she met her future husband and father of her seven children, James Stout. They married in 1946.
In 1964 the family relocated to Tennessee, where she remained until her death. Her husband passed away in 1986 and in 1990 she married her childhood friend Jacob McDonnel. He passed away in 1997.
June was reared in a strong Christian home by loving parents. She passed that faith onto her seven children. She was a woman of strong character, fortitude and was able to handle any challenge that life placed in front of her. She had an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
June was predeceased by her parents, Mr. And Mrs. Gilbert A. Andis; her first husband, James Stout; and her second husband, Jacob McDonnel.
She is survived by her seven children, Lonnie (Jean) Stout, Linda Summers, Robert (Tracey) Stout, Susan (Trent) Dyer, Anna (Greg) Stephenson, Paul (Kristi) Stout, and Janice (Steve) Adcock; 20 grandchildren; 25 great- grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Crest Lawn Funeral Home Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. and again Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the celebration of life services at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the church of your choice to the glory of God in loving memory of his servant, Esther June Andis Stout McDonnel.
Crest Lawn Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 931-526-6384.