Stella T. Neuder

Neuder – Stella Tillie Rys, 102, Richland, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Richland Woods. Mom finally took “the trip” that she’s looked forward to for a long time. She’s now home with her husband, parents and other loved ones. Stella was the last surviving member of her family. Born June 12, 1922 in East Conemaugh, the daughter of the late Mikolaj (Nick) Jan and Anna Josephine (Stachowicz) Rys.

Preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Lester Neuder, her sister, Jean Josephine (Rys) Shaffer, brother, Stanley Carl Rys, great-granddaughter, Thomasina Louise Neuder and good friend, Vic Rosenberger.

Survived by children, Gary Leslie Neuder, married to the former Sherry Lee Poole of Ocala, Florida, Robert William Neuder, Leslie Mark Neuder and daughter, Anne Frances (Neuder), wife of Brian Richard Mahon, all of Johnstown; 6 grandchildren, Joshua Eric Neuder married to the former Valori Lee Jones, Megan Corrina (Neuder), wife of Travis Powell, Jennifer Rose (Mahon), wife of Matthew Kush, Amber Renee Mahon, Brian Richard Mahon Jr and Aaron Robert Mahon, married to the former Cayla Penatzer, 12 great-grandchildren, Blake Matthew Neuder, married to the former Sarah Tech, Elise Kristen Neuder, Henry Ellis Powell, Tillie Grace Powell, Michael Andrews and fiancée, Jaden Bennett, Olivia Andrews, Nian Wei Powell, Miles Christian Neuder, Grace JiaTing Powell, Zoey MinJing Powell, Dominic Mahon, Cassidy Kush and Colsen Mahon. There are 2 great-great-grandchildren, Lunella Melodee and Ellowyn Amelia Andrews.

Before WWII, Stella at the age of 16, worked as a nanny in New York City. During WWII and as part of “the greatest generation”, she worked in the defense industry in Detroit. After the war, Stella was a stay at home mom then later worked at several local restaurants and retired from Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in the Dietary Department. She was a member of St Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown, PA for over 60 years and loved attending daily Mass, Stella also enjoyed travelling with her friend, Vic, reading and doing crossword puzzles. A child of the Depression, mom knew how to make 2 pennies out of 1, encouraged thrift, staying out of debt, hard work and making things last. She possessed a very dry wit.

Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Vigil for the deceased will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown, Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. Private committal will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Geistown, Pa. Online condolences may be directed to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.