Stella Carpente
March 14, 1947 – Feb. 11, 2011
Stella May Carpenter, 63, of Sweet Home died peacefully Feb. 11, 2011 at her home surrounded by family and friends after an extended illness.
She was born March 14, 1947 in Knoxville, Tenn., to George F. and Sarah (Gallia) Hayes. She spent her childhood years in Willamina and Vernonia. She graduated from Sweet Home High School, where she met her future husband, Roy, in the summer of 1964. They were married March 27, 1965 in Sweet Home.
She enjoyed working for Collins Kids Day Care and later ran day care from her home. The children brought great joy to her heart and soul, she really loved them.
Mrs. Carpenter loved horseback riding on her beloved horse Princess Marie Antoinette, a beautiful Appaloosa brood mare. She would ride, rain or shine. Her craftwork, gardening and growing flowers gave her a way to express herself and it was all first class.
She is survived by her husband Roy; son Michael and daughter-in-law Angela Carpenter; a daughter, Michelle Carpenter; four grandsons; four brothers, Melvin, Lee, Rodney and Dennis Hayes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Sheri and Betsy Hayes.
Viewing will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Funeral services are planned at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at Community Chapel. Committal services will follow at Gilliland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, her family suggests a contribution to help with funeral expenses, which can be made in care of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.