Stella Kern Fly

Stella Kern Fly, 93, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2008 at a Topeka hospital. She was born on April 19, 1914 in Overland Park, the youngest of three children born to Nettie and Taylor Cutlip. Stella graduated from Westport High School in Kansas City, MO in 1931. She continued her education and graduated from Kansas University in 1935 with an AB degree majoring in foreign languages. She joined the Delta Zeta sorority and was President her senior year. She remained an avid KU fan her entire life. While attending KU, Stella met Kenneth G. Kern. They were married in 1936 and were blessed with three children; Patricia Kern Bruner of Sarasota, FL, Don Kern of Topeka and Kim Kern of Baldwin; all surviving. After moving to Topeka, Stella became active in the city PTA and was President for two years in the 1950's. Stella was proud to be a member of the HG chapter of PEO. The First United Methodist Church was a very important part of her life. She was a member from February of 1943 to present. She was also a member of the Yomac Sunday School Class where she was President for two years. She enjoyed being president of the United Methodist Women and cherished her longtime friends. Following the deaths of their spouses, Stella and Elbert Fly, Jr. courted and were married in October of 1979. Elbert passed away in December, 2002 at Aldersgate Village. Stella moved to Aldersgate Village in December, 2002 where she enjoyed friends, staff and activities. Stella felt honored to be the step-mother of Libby Fly Schoeni of Overland Park, Martha Fly of Kansas City, MO, and John Fly (deceased 2001), survived by Ronna Fly of Highland Village, TX. She adored her grandchildren, Matt and Adam Woodward; Taylor Kern Johnson and Kim Kern Bednasek; and Ameen, Cassidy, and Hannah Kern. Also surviving are her step-grandchildren; Amy Smith, Steve Fly, Ashley Cruce, Christa Miniuks, David and Bryan Schoeni and 24 great-grandchildren. Stella was an optimistic, kind, loving, gentle lady known for her encouraging nature and was an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Klasse Chapel at the First United Methodist Church. Private inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.