Mary Jeannette Brown Stegemiller, 96, of Cross Plains passed away at 12:45pm, Friday, May 8, 2020 at the Waters of Dillsboro Manor. She was born in Cross Plains on September 8, 1923 the daughter of Carl H. and Maude E. Johnson Brown. She was a lifelong resident of Cross Plains and a 1941 graduate of Cross Plains High School. Both before and after graduation she was employed wt the Cross Plains State Bank. She proudly served her community and aided the war effort during World War II. For her diligence she received a commendation from US Congressman Earl Wilson for processing war bonds at the bank.
On September 24, 1949 Jeannette married Francis I. (Fritz) Stegemiller at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean. He preceded her in death on June 9, 1962. She was a member of the Cross Plains United Methodist Church and attended regularly as the oldest member as long as her health permitted. In earlier years she taught Sunday school classes, assisted with the Methodist Youth Fellowship and Vacation Bible School, and held offices in the Women’s Society of Christian Service. Jeannette also lovingly hosted Thanksgiving dinners for over 50 years for the extended Brown family.
Survivors include her daughter Janelle Stegemiller of Cross Plains; her sons Jon (Robin) Stegemiller also of Cross Plains, and Jeff Stegemiller of Versailles. Other survivors include her granddaughter Erin Stegemiller of Tennessee, her step-grandson Caleb Carlock of Osgood, her step-granddaughter Hannah Carlock of Indianapolis, and her sister Martha Lea Orman of Beech Grove as well as her remaining nieces and nephews and their extended families. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers J. C. Brown and Lloyd Brown.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 12th at 11am at the Cross Plains United Methodist Church with Pastor Jerry Brooks officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at the church at 10am, but due to the current health pandemic and mandates set down by the Indiana governor’s office there will be a restriction on the number of individuals allowed in the church. Memorials may be given to the Cross Plains United Methodist Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. If you would like to have a Hugs from Home card given to Jeannette’s family to express condolences in your absence, please contact the funeral home at 812-689-1171.