Obituary of Stacey Lee Schoessler

Stacey Lee (Schell) Schoessler, passed away on May 4th at Hospice, following a courageous four-year battle with cancer. She was 65. Born on November 10, 1959, in Odessa, Washington, Stacey was the daughter of Cecil Schell and Davida “Judy” (Weber) Schell. In 1976, she moved to Ritzville, where she graduated from Ritzville High School in 1978. Stacey went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from Washington State University in 1982. In November 1983, Stacey married her high school sweetheart, John Schoessler. In 1984, they acquired the family farm when John’s parents retired. Their greatest joy came in 1996 with the birth of their daughter, Caitlin. Stacey was deeply dedicated to both her family and her work. Even while facing health challenges, she remained actively involved on the farm and completed her professional career at Ag West, retiring in January 2025. Her work ethic and unwavering kindness left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike. Affectionately known as “the napkin lady” by her family, Stacey had a thoughtful tradition of sending her family seasonal napkins—a small but joyful gesture that showed her love in the everyday. She cherished family vacations to Lake Chelan and later treasured time at their place on Williams Lake, where she could be found paddle boating or enjoying her black lab, Becca. Stacey had a heart for service and was always willing to help others before herself. She was involved in Zion Philadelphia Church and generously gave her time to local organizations, including the Ritzville Festivals Association, Miss Ritzville Program, and the Ritzville and Lind-Ritzville Alumni Associations. Stacey is preceded in death by her father, Cecil Schell. She is survived by her husband, John Schoessler; daughter Caitlin (Shane) Strohmaier and granddaughter Adalynn of Benge, WA; mother Judy Renner of Ritzville; stepmother Margie Schell of Odessa; sister Rhonda (Rod) Ostriem of Yakima; brothers Colby (Aimee) Schell of Ritzville and Jason (Shar) Renner of White Swan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 1:00pm at Odessa Golf and RV in Odessa, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Ritzville Alumni Association/Lind-Ritzville Alumni Association PO Box 312 Ritzville, WA 99169; Zion Philadelphia Church 301 E Broadway Ritzville, WA 99169 or to Hospice of North Idaho 2290 W Prairie Ave Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville is entrusted with the arrangements.