Stella Audean Schott Neely

And now, my story ends, and so I face the final curtain. My friend, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case, of which I'm certain. I've lived a life that's full, I've traveled each and every highway, but more, much more than this, I did it my way.

— From a song by Frank Sinatra.

On Saturday, I, Stella Audean Schott Neely, faced the final curtain.

I was born on June 5, 1944, to John and Margaret (Peg) Kress Schott. I lived my life north of Zelienople on the outskirts of the little village of Middle Lancaster. Growing up, I attended two one-room schoolhouses and belonged to Zion Lutheran Church in Middle Lancaster.

I took great pride in telling people about the history of my grandparents, Fred and Mamie Schott, owning the Log Cabin Inn. It was a shot and beer bar then, much different from what it is today. The home I grew up in is just south of the present-day restaurant.

I attended and graduated from Zelienople High School with the class of 1962. What great memories were made at ZHS! I didn't go to college but held various jobs in retail, where my gift of gab was helpful.

I was blessed with two wonderfully successful kids. Krista (Neely) Novak and Jonathan Neely. My most cherished gift was my only grandchild, Megan Elizabeth Neely. How could I forget my granddogs over the years.

I was an active member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Evans City. I served as a ruling elder over the years, taking part in the choir and many of the missions St. John's was involved with.

I was the first woman elected to the Evans City Borough Council and opened the door for other women to serve. I had been a volunteer with the Evans City Fire Department, running with the ambulance back in the 1980s and '90s. I delivered Meals on Wheels for many years as well.

I worked for 18 years at the Evans City post office, a job I loved because of the people I met. I retired in 2006. I enjoyed my retirement and did what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it. I enjoyed going to the YMCA and making new friends and playing pickleball and laughing with them. Yes, we would play a few hours and then we would go and have a sandwich, a beer and more laughs.

I told everyone that God put me on this earth for two reasons: to make people laugh and to make people mad. I think I did a pretty good job of both. I hope you were part of the laughter and not so much the anger or sarcasm.

I was very outspoken and always had an opinion, of which no one ever had to ask me if I had one, I offered it without being asked.

I tried to live my life as a Christian and I know I wasn't always successful, but we learn from our mistakes ... sometimes.

I am survived by my wonderful loving kids, my daughter, Krista Novak, and her husband, Kurt; my son, Jonathan, and his wife, Debbie; my granddaughter, Megan; and the mother of my granddaughter and close friend, Beckie Neely; my brother, Fritz Schott; three nieces; five great-nephews; and a great- niece.

A special thank-you to her “Secret Angel,” who brightened her days with cards and gifts.

NEELY — Friends of Stella Audean Schott Neely, who died Saturday, March 23, 2019, will be received from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Boylan Funeral Home, 116 E. Main St., Evans City.A funeral service to celebrate Stella's life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John's United Church of Christ, 501 E. Main St. Evans City, with the Rev. Lisa Griffin officiating.The family requests no flowers or memorial gifts.Memorial donations may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ, 501 E. Main St., Evans City, PA 16033, or Meals on Wheels, 100 South High St., Zelienople, PA 16063, or New Hope Vizsla Rescue, PMB 313, 1636 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA 18104.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.