Mary Ann E. Stelljes, 79

Mary Ann Elizabeth Stelljes was born in Coeur d'Alene Feb. 19, 1931, to Elsworth and Sveya Elizabeth Hedberg. She passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, with her family at her side.

Mary Ann started bookkeeping for her father's meat locker business when she was 14. Musically gifted, she played drums, piano and violin. After graduating from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1949, she was asked to join the Spokane Symphony.

Instead she chose to marry Jim Roe and start her family. They had three children, Sherry, Mike and Denise, and divorced in 1963.

In 1967, she married Harold (Hap) Stelljes and they lived happily for 43 years; raising, between them, seven children, 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Mary Ann worked at the county assessor's office in Coeur d'Alene. She moved to Lewiston in 1961 and became the city treasurer. She later worked for Adam's Auto Sales, Bob Pennick Chrysler-Plymouth and Rogers Motors. She was always sought after for her clerical talents as well as her character.

What she enjoyed most of all were the many camping trips that she and Hap have taken, whether it was just the two of them or with their many friends.

The most precious thing, to her, was the time spent with her family.

Her passion was something she couldn't control, it was just who she was. The ferocity was unmatched when she chose to defend any person, pet or principle.

She was preceded in death by an infant brother, Jack Hedberg, and a daughter, Denise Roe-Welch.

Survivors are: husband Harold; son Mike Roe and wife Rosa; daughters Sherry Lyons and husband Ron, Terri Harrington, Debbie Hart, Deanna Squires and husband Ron, and Leslie Robert and husband Tim; 11 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of her life from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, at the Eagles Lodge in Lewiston. A graveside service will be conducted at Gifford in February.

Memorials in honor of Mary Ann may be sent to the Humane Society.