Elva Jean McNeely

Elva Jean (Stanley) McNeely was born in Schubert, Nebraska on October 9, 1926, and passed away on December 17, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age of 98. In those 98 years she became a true example of love in action. Elva Jean loved her family and friends well. Her heart and door were open to all. And once you walked through her door, you joined the family. She lived her Christian faith by her gentle kindness, her generosity, and her love of others. The love of her life was her husband, Wayne Eugene McNeely. They met while attending school in Stella, Nebraska and were married November 6, 1944.

Elva Jean was the eldest of seven children born to Louie Elijah and Ella Christine (Steinbrink) Stanley. She was a graduate of Stella High School.

Elva Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Wayne McNeely, two brothers, Charles Richard and Keith Stanley, her sisters Lois Stanley Hector, Doris Stanley Johnson, and Shirley Stanley Stowater; and her two sons, Donald Eugene McNeely and Hugh Edward McNeely.

She is survived by her brother Mark (and Cindy) Stanley; her daughters Sylvia McNeely Steckley (and husband Daniel Dymarkowski) and Virginia McNeely McCall; daughters-in-law Kathy McNeely and Belinda McNeely; grandchildren Carla McNeely (Armand) Zemke, Ginger McNeely (Frank) Felice, Robin McNeely Poche, Lori Steckley (Rich) Keenan, Kevin Steckley, Erik (Tara) McCall, Stephanie McNeely (Jason) Broussard, and Lara McNeely (Matt) Falcon. She is also survived by twenty great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Additional to this list are the numerous nieces, nephews, and their many children who love and admire Elva Jean.

Elva Jean began life on a farm in rural Nebraska. When her husband attended the Colorado School of Mines, she moved to Golden, Colorado. Upon Wayne’s graduation, the family of five moved to South Texas, where one additional child was added. There were many moves between Texas and Louisiana, ending in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina. When Wayne retired there was travel and work in Brazil, and summers working at Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Post-Katrina, Elva Jean and Wayne joined their daughter Virginia in Enid, Oklahoma. This April Elva Jean moved to St. James Assisted Living in Baton Rouge.

Elva Jean’s true calling was that of wife and Mother (and then as one of the greatest grandmothers ever). Her love of family was demonstrated best in the kitchen! She baked cookies by the multi-dozen, and hundreds of loaves of homemade sourdough bread along with fudge and pralines and caramels and divinity and every goodie that a grandchild could want. Even her fruitcakes were delicious!

People will always remember Elva Jean for her smile, her positive outlook and her refusal to complain, even when she was tired or not well. She always put the wants or needs of others ahead of her own. It is a rare quality that is a treat and treasure to witness!

The family of Elva Jean would like to give special thanks to the staff of St. James Assisted Living and Sherry Foster with Caring Companions for their loving care and assistance.

A memorial service will be held after the holidays. Her final resting place will be at Prairie Union, Schubert, Nebraska.