June M. Stein's Obituary
June M. Stein (nee Locke), 88, of Mantua, OH passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024, in the first light of Easter morning. June is finally at peace after years of enduring debilitating Dementia.
June was born on December 17, 1935 in Van Dyke, MI to Donald G. and Marie L. Locke in the family home her father built. June was the youngest of three children and, besides her parents, her brother, Lyle Locke and sister, Betty Jean Schutt (nee Locke) preceded her in death.
June’s friends set her up on a blind date where she met Franchot C. Stein. They quickly became a couple, and on June 8th, 1957, were united in marriage; after 66 years together they became united in death, as Franchot predeceased June by one week, passing away on Palm Sunday. Together they raised four children, Clark F. Stein (Kathy); Kurt D. Stein (Kaitlyn); Lisa E. Carley (nee Stein) and Deanna K. Stein; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
June graduated in 1953 from Imlay City High School and attended The Carnegie Institute, graduating in 1954. She worked as a Medical Assistant and Church Secretary, however she was a full-time homemaker while her children were young. Later in life, June returned to her career and worked at The Kent State University Registrar’s Office until her retirement in 2002.
Besides her family, two facets of her life that brought June the most joy were her faith and her writing. A life-long Lutheran, she was a founding member of Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Mantua for over 40 years. Children’s books for her family were June’s first foray into writing; her son, Kurt, illustrated one of her first, though it was never published. June realized a long-held life’s dream in 2011 when her writing and faith came together, publishing her book of original poems titled, “Following the Footprints.” June shared her faith by gifting copies to family and friends, inscribing personal notes of love and encouragement in each one.
Blessed with the gift of hospitality, June also expressed her love for others in the kitchen. Grandchildren still crave her macaroni and cheese, apple cake, and her grandmother’s iced buttermilk cookies, a Christmas tradition which has now been handed down to the fifth generation; her German Potato Salad recipe won top billing one year at the Mantua Potato Festival. Her daughter, Lisa, has compiled her recipes and shares them with each of June’s grandchildren as they leave home, connecting the family through the memories of Grandma’s house.
Dementia stole June away from all of us, piece by precious piece, but she was cherished by so many until her last breath. In her poem, Protection, June wrote, “With thankful heart I rest each day, in His redeeming love; no matter what the future brings…I am His, and that’s enough!”
The family will receive visitors on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Green Funeral Care, 4668 Pioneer Trail (at the corner of St. Rt. 44), Mantua, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. A private Interment will immediately follow at Westlawn Cemetery, Mantua Township.
Memorials may be made in June’s memory to Christ Lutheran Church, 10827 Main St., Mantua, OH 44255.
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