Stella Mae Ethridge, 88 of Lake Placid, Florida passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on August 16, 2024 at her daughter's Lake Placid residence.  Stella was born on April 25, 1936 in Barwick, Kentucky the fourth child of 13 children born to Thomas Baker and Mary Jane (Neace) Baker.  Stella had been a resident of Lake Placid since 2006, moving to Lake Placid from Hollywood, Florida.  Stella most recently attended New Life Fellowship Pentecostal Church in Sebring, FL.  Stella publicly professed her faith in Jesus with full immersion in water Baptism.  With a charitable spirit she supported many charities including the American Red Cross, Disabled American Veterans, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Boys Town, as well as her church, amongst others.

Those left to cherish the memory of their precious mother are Wanda Yvonne McKellar & Gerald of Lake Placid, FL; Lawrence Wayne Partin of Lake Placid, FL; and Teresa Lorraine Haynes of Mt. Olive, NC.  She is also survived by two brothers; George Palmer Baker of Hazard, KY and Eddie Arnold Baker of Altro, KY; and two sisters; Mary Magdalene (Baker) White of Paris Crossing, IN and Bobbie Jo (Baker) Filar of Chicago, IL.  Stella was immensely proud of her 7-grandchildren and 16-great grandchildren.

Stella Mae Ethridge was preceded in death by her first husband Perry W. Partin, her second husband William T. Ethridge, her two daughters Lois Elaine Partin and Phyllis Ann Partin Terrill Quick, her brothers Lee Taylor Baker, William James Baker, Tommy Gene Baker, Isaac Baker, Willard Dean Baker, and Warner Leen Baker, her sisters Lillie Susan (Baker) McGowan and Hazel (Baker) Stewart, and one grandchild Brian Jeffrey Terrill.

A kind and compassionate lady with a heart of gold.  Stella was a caregiver to many throughout her lifetime.  In times of crisis, family and friends knew they could depend on Stella to babysit and care for their children for extended periods of time.  She served as caregiver to an elderly neighbor for several years, inviting her into her own home for support and comfort.  She was a career supermarket delicatessen clerk and had an extensive Avon collection.  She enjoyed flowers and gardens, country & bluegrass music, and loved family history and reminiscing about her Appalachian heritage.  Stella was by birth a Coal Miner's Daughter and the hit song by Loretta Lynn beautifully captures the spirit and lifestyle of her Appalachian roots.

A graveside service to celebrate Stella's life will be held at the Baker Family Cemetery in Barwick at Altro, Kentucky on August 27, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with J.P. Fuller officiating.  There are those who may seek fame and fortune, but Stella was happier with the simpler things in life; a gentle and caring soul who understood that this was only temporary, and that Heaven would be her eternal home.  Glory to God! Hallelujah! Our sweet mother has arrived!