Ella Louise Stoner

Age 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Ella was the kind of person who believed in family above everything else. During her time as a wife and a mother, she would even take in neighborhood kids and treat them as her own. She felt very strongly about being a caregiver to everyone around her. That included the neighborhood dogs and cats as well.

Ella was born in Saginaw, MI, August 31st, 1948, to Hugh James Robinson and Elizabeth Josephine Robinson (Griffin). She grew up in the small town of Oil City, Michigan. It was there, with her eleven brothers and sisters, that she learned the value of family. Known fondly as “lucky number seven,” Ella carried that love of togetherness throughout her life.

On June 5th, 1965, she married Donald Stoner at the age of 16.

Ella had always dreamed of having a big family. She raised two beloved sons, Kevin (49) and Donny (31), and her beloved daughter, Lori (46). She also helped raise six grandchildren: Thaddeus (30), Xavier (29), Gabriel (19), Caleb (16) and the twins, Kevin Jr. (15), and Katy (15). Her children and grandchildren were truly the light of her life. She was always surrounded by family, just as she dreamed.

Ella loved dogs as much, or maybe more than her own family. Throughout her lifetime, she owned many, many dogs and spoiled them. Her current canine companion and grand dogs will miss her dearly. She also enjoyed camping, playing bingo and sharing family memories at the Robinson-Katzinger-Forbes get togethers.

After the passing of her husband, Donald, in 2018, Ella moved to East Lansing to be closer to her family. They will both be laid to rest at Kelly Cemetery in Oil City, close to the home where they raised their family and lived for so many years.

Ella was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings Andrew (Andy), Hugh, Don, John, and Bob (Robert) Robinson.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and as she’d say, “Well, I’ve gotta get home and take care of my dogs,” and we know that’s what she’s doing now. We love you.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or ChiHaven of Michigan in memory of Ella.