Learlene "Lena" Stoltz

Learlene “Lena” Stoltz (65) passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at her home in New Lebanon, Ohio. Born on November 16, 1958, to parents William Jasper Earls and Shirley Griffith Earls in Vicco, Kentucky, Lena dedicated her life to her family, first as a sister and protector of her siblings and then a proud mother to her one and only daughter, the light of her life. She is survived by her loving daughter Shannon (Kevin Allen) Earls; four grandchildren, Alexandria (Joseph) Allen, Vincent Allen, Penelope Allen, and Kendrick Allen; eleven siblings, Jo-Ann Earls, American (Sam) Holdcraft, Ivan (Elva) Earls, Zelma (Louis) Alcade, Wilma Honeycutt, Tammie Earls, Danny Earls, Leroy (Ester) Earls, Ernie Earls, Sonnie Earls, and Carol Earls; brother-in-law, Anthony Shope; numerous nieces and nephews, including special nephews James (Danielle) Amburgey, Josh Shope, and Matt (Allison) Shope; as well as other relatives and many friends. Lena was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene Stoltz; sister, Ella Shope; brothers, Donnie Earls, Jimmie Ray Earls, and Ron Honeycutt; and her sister-in-law, Sylvia Earls.

Lena lived for her family and spent her childhood caring for her parents, brothers, sisters, and extended family members. She was a fierce defender of those she loved – a trait she took after her mother, Shirley. A proud Kentuckian, Lena enjoyed the simple things in life like sitting in the sun, cooking, and playing cards. Born two years apart (nearly to the day), Lena and her sister Ella had a special bond and were inseparable, with friends often referring to them as each other’s shadow. They did everything together from gardening and playing in pool leagues to raising Lena’s grandkids.

Lena had a knack for making you feel special and important, whether you were one of her grandkids or a perfect stranger. This fared well for her in her 20+ year career as a waitress in restaurants like Willows, The Dixie Diner, and the American Legion, where her legacy lives on today. In more recent years, she worked as a dedicated employee of Dollar General, helping customers and making friends with regulars.

Forever missed by her family and friends, Lena will be remembered for her contagious laugh and endless ability to love and see the best in everyone she encountered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 9 at 7:00PM, with a visitation prior from 5:00-7:00PM. Arrangements entrusted to Rogers Funeral Homes, New Lebanon. www.RogersFuneralHomes.com