Stephanie Jean White Obituary

Stephanie Jean White (née Schmoeller), 72, of St. Joseph, Michigan, died peacefully in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by family. Stephanie was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Garrett and Jean Schmoeller. Her family later moved to Palos Verdes, California, and then to Hickory, North Carolina, where she completed grammar school. After moving to New York, she attended middle school, later completing the seventh grade in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. In 1968, she moved to St. Joseph and attended Lakeshore High School, where she was an active member of the junior and senior choirs. Stephanie graduated high school in 1972 and chose to remain in the St. Joseph area. In 1975, Stephanie married Jon Earl Bell, Sr., and together they had three lovely children. In 1985, she married Ernest Lorn White, III, an attorney in St. Joseph, where they settled down and raised their family. Stephanie was passionate about traveling, and alongside her husband, she journeyed around the United States, Europe, and Hawaii, which included a special annual winter trip to sunny Fort Myers, Florida. Stephanie was employed first as a legal assistant before continuing her education to become a paralegal. She dedicated over 40 years to working for several prominent law firms in the greater St. Joseph area until her retirement in 2024. A loving mother, Stephanie was deeply involved in her children’s schooling and activities. She found great joy in caring for her grandchildren and, more recently, cherished spending time with her two great-grandchildren. Stephanie’s greatest passion, however, was music; she played the piano and possessed a lovely lyric soprano voice. Wonderfully artistic and an avid crafter, she created imaginative designs including beautiful handmade cards, home décor, crochet creations, embroidery, and cross-stitching. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed puzzles. Stephanie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 32 years, Ernie, who passed away in 2017. She is survived by her children: her son Jon Bell, Jr. and his children, Payton and Paige; her son Jeffrey Bell and his children, Madelynn, Mason, and Makston; and her daughter Jennifer Killian (née Bell) and her children, Isaac, Quinn, and Gweneth. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Micheal and Maverick, and her sisters, Melanie and Bethanie.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Mary Free Bed Foundation or Sophia’s House, both in Grand Rapids, MI. Arrangements entrusted to the Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085.

More than anything, Stephanie loved her family completely. Her laughter, generosity, creativity and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome to her home will be deeply missed.