Elizabeth "Dolly" Ann Stolte

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Ann "Dolly" (Shaw) Stolte, age 92, on July 7, 2024, in Edwardsville, IL.  Dolly lived her entire life in Edwardsville where she created many memories involving her church, her family, and her friends. She was a 1949 graduate of Edwardsville High School.

Dolly served as a dedicated school secretary at Trinity Lutheran School for 21 years, touching the lives of countless students and families. A devout member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and shared her beautiful voice in the choir and praise band.   She was a cook at Lutheran Camp Piasa where she and her family spent countless summers and created many fond memories.  Dolly’s example of a faith-filled life has influenced and blessed her family and anyone that knew her.

Family was at the heart of Dolly’s life.  Sunday dinners, fish frys in the backyard, and holiday celebrations all took place at her home on Fillmore Street.  She especially looked forward to the annual Edwardsville Connection Family Reunion in Evansville, Indiana.  Every family member or special friend will treasure their handmade Christmas stocking created especially for them by Dolly.  She was an avid Cardinals fan and, of course, followed all of her children and grandchildren throughout their athletic, academic and work careers.

Dolly married Harold Herman Stolte on June 2, 1951.  Harold died on April 16, 1977.  They were the parents of five children:  Ann Elizabeth Schmidt (Terry) of Oakville, MO; Janet Claire Hartman (Michael) of Evansville, IN; Steven Charles Stolte (Ann) of Edwardsville, IL; William Kenneth Stolte (Sydney) of Edwardsville, IL; and James Edwin Stolte (Catherine) of Alhambra, IL.  She married Clifford Charles Stolte on December 30, 1978.  Clifford died on February 13, 2015.

She was blessed with twelve grandchildren: Elizabeth Leinberger (Tim); Andrew Schmidt (Marneka); Benjamin Schmidt (Jessica); Matthew Hartman (Ciavon); Jill Early (Desmond); Laura Wittekind (David); Henry Stolte, Samuel Stolte, and Margaret Stolte; Nicolas Arth (Becky); and Daniel Stolte and Lucas Stolte (Rachel). 

She was also blessed with 19 great grandchildren:  Terrion Mills and Andrew Schmidt; Theia Good; Emma, Claire, and Lily Leinberger; Landon and Liana Hartman; William, Clara, and Emily Early; Owen, Archer, Atley Jane, and Abel Arth; Warren, Victoria, and Wesley Wittekind; and Waylon Stolte.  

She is also survived by one brother, Kenneth Alan Shaw (Mary Ann) of Chicago, IL; a sister-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Grimmer of O'Fallon, IL; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Kenneth William and Clara Helen Shaw; father and mother-in-law, Edwin and Ida Stolte, step mother-in-law, Mary McLean Stolte; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lucile and Larry Strahan; and great granddaughter, Katelynn Maeve Early.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 600 Water Street, in Edwardsville.  Visitation will continue on Saturday, July 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church at 9:00 am until the funeral service at 10:00 am with Rev. Jess Biermann presiding. Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, IL. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Ministries.              

Elizabeth Ann "Dolly" Stolte’s life was a beacon of love and kindness, and she was the heart of our family. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com

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