Stella Schaml Cia

Stella Schmal Cia, (Nonie) 88, was born June 16, 1924, and was re-born October 21, 2012. She was the daughter of Lena and Felix Schmal of Dubuque, Iowa. She was baby sister to Lucille and Helen. Stella leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Harry, and her daughters, Jayne, Jeanne, Joan and June. Also cherishing her memory are two sons-in-law, Chuck and Tim; five grandchildren and spouses, Sarah and Josh, Matt and Shelly, Katie and Aurelio, James and Laura, and Emy; four great-grandchildren, Gracie, Andrew, Avery, Dexter and counting; and her "adopted" son, Doug. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jenny, and a son-in-law, Rick Crouch. Her Yorkies, Bitsy, Rosie and Daisy, miss her too. Stella worked at an army base in Savannah, Illinois during the war where she met a young soldier from Arkansas who was headed overseas. They corresponded. After the war, though she was engaged to a hometown boy, Stella came to Arkansas to find her soldier boy. Stella and Harry married a year later. Over the years, Harry and Stella raised their girls in Harry's big Italian family. They were always ready to open their home to family, friends, club and church groups. Stella was a great homemaker, hostess and volunteer. She was a charter member of the Little Rock Doll Club and the Little Rock Dog Club. Stella and her best friend, Jackie, took their dogs, Jeraldine and Boozer, to obedience school. They tried. For over 50 years Stella provided childcare in her home at Nonie's Daycare. She was always excited to get a new baby, and they never left her heart. She looked forward to their visits and loved to keep track of her babies. She would be quick to tell anyone, "The time I spent keeping those babies were the best years of my life." She loved her babies and their families. Stella was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish and later a member of Our Lady of Holy Souls Parish for over 40 years. She loved her faith and enjoyed her church. She participated in classes, headed her neighborhood group for many years and studied scripture. The family would like to thank Dr. Kahn and his caring staff at UAMS Reynolds Senior Health Center. We would also like to thank the staffs of Superior Senior Care and Quality Senior Care. We extend special appreciation to Tara, Jerri, Kay and Thiva, who cared for Stella with compassion. Also, thank you to Hospice Home Care for a gentle goodbye. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock (501) 661-9111. Rosary service will begin at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Thursday at Our Lady of The Holy Souls Church, Tyler and I Streets with Msgr. Francis I. Malone, Celebrant. Entombment will follow in Holy Souls Columbarium. Memorials may be made to Jenny Cia Thanksgiving/Christmas Ministry c/o Holy Souls Church, 1003 N. Tyler St., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggethealeyroth.com.