Delma Stroder

Delma Louise Stroder, 90, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, (her birthday) at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

On Nov. 29, 1927, Delma was born, the daughter of Sylvanus and Hester Proffer Eakins. She was raised in Crump.

She and Carl Wesley Stroder married Feb. 14, 1947. He preceded her in death July 15, 2016.

As the wife of a pastor, she lovingly and devotedly worked by Carl's side in Centerville, Missouri; Van Wert, Ohio; Marble Hill, Missouri; Ellington, Missouri; Creal Springs, Illinois; and Lake of Egypt, Illinois.

Carl and Delma moved to the Lakeview Acres neighborhood of Jackson in 2002 to be closer to family and, in doing so, made many new friends. They always had a big garden and loved to share its produce with neighbors, friends and family.

Delma loved to cook and can her garden produce. She often expressed her love for friends, family and grandkids by sharing creations from her kitchen. Delma's strong work ethic and constant patience steadied the family through trying times. She supported Carl as he pursued his career, all while raising their three sons. Her Christian upbringing along with years of hard work and life experiences gave her wisdom to lovingly discipline, guide and support her children. It was her unwavering faith in God's word that gave her the hope and peace she needed to persist through life's struggles.

Loving survivors include three sons, Lonnie (Susan) Stroder of Jackson, Glenn (Joyce) Stroder of Farmington, Missouri, and Larry (Miriam) Stroder of Wildwood, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Timothy (Karie) Stroder, Ryan Stroder, Alex Stroder, Rebecca (Gary) Merseal, Rachel Stroder, Melissa (Scott) Stephens, Jennifer (Joe) Keel and Shawn Stroder; seven great-grandchildren and an eighth (great-granddaughter) expected in April; four siblings, Della Mae Abernathy of Cape Girardeau, Deanna (Vincent) Friedrich of Oak Ridge, Darlene Eakins of Whitewater and Doyle Wayne (Wanda) Eakins of Whitewater; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Delma's parents; an infant son, Ronald Carl Stroder; a brother, Donald Eakins; and two sisters, Dorothy Scholz and Delthia Crader, preceded her in death.

Delma's visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dave Parmley officiating, assisted by the Rev. Stan Hargis. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Proffer Cemetery in Crump.

The family suggests contributions be made to Teen Challenge of Mid-America.

The family would like to thank Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau for the excellent care Delma received the last two years and the excellent care she received at Southeast Hospital in her final hours.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.