(Apr. 8, 2008)
Murtis Stemplinger, 95, died Tuesday, April 8 in Powell.
She was born Nov. 5, 1912, in Mississippi to Eugene and Nellie (Ledbetter) Prestage. She completed high school and married Calvin (Jack) Crocker in Tremont, Miss., on March 2, 1929. She later married Joe Stemplinger.
She was a member of the Southern Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing, needlework and gardening. She was also a member of the Eagles.
In Powell, she was known for her long tenure as a cook at Hansel & Gretel’s restaurant. She worked at H&G’s for 28 years until her retirement at the age of 90.
Survivors include a son, Willie Crocker, of Aneta, N.D.; a daughter, Polly Buchanan (Donald) of Powell; six grandchildren, Mike Crocker of Hillsboro, N.D., Jim Gunderson of Houston, Texas, Phyllis Rinehart of Villa Grove, Ill., Kathy Lind of Grand Forks, N.D., and Jo Aslakson of Aneta, N.D.; eight great-grandchildren, Bobby Rinehart and Michelle of Villa Grove, Ill., Skylar Aslakson and Cassidy of Aneta, N.D., Nick Crocker and Corey of Hillsboro, N.D., Ashley Lind of Grand Forks, N.D., and Mandy Knickerbocker; and great-great grandson, Donald Everet Alan Knickerbocker of Powell.
She was preceded in death by husband Joe Stemplinger and a grandson, Al Gunderson.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. at the Southern Baptist Church, with Billy Greaham officiating. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home.