Obituaries

Betty Jane (Gage) Stahl, age 80, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on April 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband and family, under hospice care. Born on December 7, 1944, in Newberry, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Mary (Krause) Gage of Engadine, Michigan.

Betty graduated from Engadine High School on June 7, 1963, and on June 8th of that same year, she married Lyle Melvon Stahl at the Wildwood Mennonite Church in Engadine. Their 61 years of marriage were filled with love, dedication, and service to others.

Throughout her life, Betty had a passion for creativity, often sewing for her family, crafting doll clothes and toys, and even purchasing her first sewing machine with the money she earned from her first job. She also had a deep love for gardening, cultivating beautiful flowers around her home, and preserving homegrown food for her family. Betty’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her own family; she cherished children and spent many years teaching Sunday school, leading Bible school, and singing in church choirs. She was unwavering in her love for God and shared that love through every aspect of her life.

A woman of deep faith and generosity, Betty always put others first, giving selflessly of her time, energy, and resources. She and Lyle served on church boards and played key roles in the establishment of several mission-focused churches. As her ability to be physically active in her community declined, Betty began a beloved card ministry, sending birthday, anniversary, sympathy, Christmas, and get-well cards to those she knew, a tradition she maintained for many years.

Betty also found joy in observing the local birds, keeping track of their arrivals and departures each season. However, what she treasured most of all was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Lyle Melvon Stahl; their five children, Connie (Randall) Noftsier of Croghan, New York, Darwin (Connie Vigneaux) Stahl of Dafter, Michigan, Bonita Bundy of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Kyandi Taylor of Pellston, Michigan, and Clinton (Melissa Theriault) Stahl of Petoskey, Michigan; ten grandchildren, Jonathan Noftsier, Amanda (Jake) King, David (Margaret Harrigan) Noftsier, Chelsea (Chris) Eckerman, Caleb Stahl, Whitney Rose (Alexander) Noriega, Adam Bundy, Autumn Spinek, Andrew Stahl, and Jake Stahl; five great-grandchildren, Isabella Noriega, Luke Noriega, Scarlet Noriega, Wilhelmina Eckerman, and Grayson Eckerman; sister, Ruth Matlock; sisters-in-law, Irene (Michael) McLaughlin, Elaine Gage, Margaret Gage, Marilyn (Stan) Troyer; brother-in-law, Doug Clingaman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Mary (Krause) Gage, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Melvon and Edna (Birkey) Stahl; brothers, George Gage and Don Gage; brothers-in-law, Marvin Matlock and Nelson Gage; sister-in-law, Marlene (Stahl) Clingaman; and nephew, Duane Gage.

Betty’s life was one of deep faith, kindness, and service. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering commitment to her family and faith will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Calling hours are 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM with the Funeral Service following at 12:30 PM on April 29, 2025, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, 49783, with Pastor Ryan Stevens officiating.

A Graveside Service will be held immediately after at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Betty’s memory to the children’s ministry at the New Hope Revival Center, 66 Cedar Grove Dr., Kincheloe, MI 49788.
Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.