Elzora L Stoxen

Elzora L. Stoxen, 90, a life-long resident of Harvard passed away on Friday, December 1st at her home.

She was born on March 28, 1933 in Harvard to Maynard and Alice (Carson) Willoughby.

On July 19, 1952 she married her beloved husband, Ralph, at the Methodist Church in Harvard.

For 15 years, Elzora and Ralph were proud owners of a farm on Lawrence Road. After Ralph’s passing in 1968, Elzora continued to manage the farm and create a warm and loving home for her daughters. She will be remembered for her fantastic cooking and making sure you left her home with a full belly.

She was very active in the Harvard community as a member of the Harvard Historical Society and Retired Women. For over 25 years she was a secretary, member of the Prayer Chain, and a member of the Women’s Circle at church. She was also elected as clerk for Chemung Township for many years.

Elzora was a woman of many talents and interests. She enjoyed quilting and sewing. She loved caring for the wild birds in her yard including utilizing a heated bird bath in the wintertime. She made her own hummingbird nectar and made sure to replenish it every few days. When not at home, Elzora enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. She enjoyed taking her grandchildren to Europe and Disney World. In her free time, Elzora could be found cheering for her favorite team, the Chicago Cubs. Their World Series win in 2016 was a joyous occasion!

Elzora is predeceased by her husband Ralph, her parents Maynard and Alice, her brothers Richard and Gerald, and a granddaughter Laura Berryhill Stankus.

She is survived by her daughters Kathy (John) Berryhill of Harvard, Susan (Steve) Smurthwaite of St. George, Utah, and Mary Stoxen of Belize, siblings Margie (James) Kolde of Ft. Myers, Florida and Robert (Corey) Werrbach of Port Orange, Florida, grandchildren Brian (Daphne) Berryhill and Chris Berryhill, great-grandchildren Nora-Kathleen, Konrad, Owen, Bennett, Olivia, Lilyana, and Sage Elzora.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Harvard Historical Society, 308 N. Hart Street, P.O. Box 505, Harvard or Harvard Food Pantry, 6817 Harvard Hills Road, Harvard.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, December 6th from 3 to 6 PM at Saunders and McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner Street. A service will take place the following day, Thursday, December 7th at 1 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Claire Brennecka presiding. Interment will take place at Mt. Auburn.

If attending the visitation or service, the family asks you to dress comfortably in your best Cubs gear, wild bird themed attire, or whatever reminds you of Elzora.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net

For more information, please call Saunders & McFarlin at (815) 943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.