Emmajean Stayer
Emmajean Stayer, 92, Kendallville, died at 1:07 a.m. Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Miller’s Oak Pointe, Columbia City.
She was born June 21, 1928, in Kosciusko County, a daughter of the late Hurschal and Helen (Speiker) Hunter. Her formative years were spent in Sidney, where she graduated from Sidney High School.
She married Franklin D. Stayer, Dec. 24, 1971. They lived at Knapp Lake, then moved to Kendallville in 2002. Frank died Dec. 6, 2020.
She and her husband owned and operated Harper Lake Campground from 1972 – 2002. With her outgoing personality, she loved being with people and conversing with the many campers through the years.
Her first love was always her husband, Frank. Soulmates, they were dedicated to each other. She is remembered for her delicious baked goods, including her oatmeal cookies and the seasonal peach pie. A Precious Moments Doll collector, she had an impressive collection.
Surviving are daughters, Antoinette (Steve) Johnson, North Webster; and Margaret “Meg” (Dan) Dausman of Pierceton; stepchildren: Marsha (Phillip) Schaddelee, Winona Lake; and Stephen (Ellen) Stayer, Warsaw; 12 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
Additionally, she was preceded in death by brothers Howard Hunter and Tom Sumpter.
The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are to Miller’s at Oak Pointe.