Della Susie Ann (Stewart) Stapleton

Della Susie Ann Stapleton, age 81, of Grayson, Kentucky, peacefully departed this life on Monday, September 8, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 24, 1944, Della was the cherished daughter of the late Robert Isaiah and Mary Louise Pine Stewart.

Della's life was marked by her unwavering faith and dedication to her family and community. A devoted Christian, she found joy and purpose in her service at Lake Road Free Will Baptist Church, where she was a beloved member of the choir, sharing her beautiful voice and spirit with all who heard her.

Throughout her diverse career, Della wore many hats, each reflecting her vibrant personality and commitment to helping others. She worked as a beautician, a secretary for a wrecker service, a realtor, and even served as a Deputy Town Marshall. Notably, she was instrumental in establishing EMT services in the Bunker Hill area of Indiana, showcasing her passion for public service and her desire to make a difference in the lives of those around her.

Della's heart was filled with love for her family. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Wayne Dean, with whom she shared 13 years of marriage, and her second husband, Hubert Earl Stapleton, with whom she spent 48 wonderful years. She also mourned the loss of her sister, Brenda Joyce Stewart.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through her daughter, Brenda (Mitchell) Eldridge of Grayson; her son, James Eric (Terri) Dean of Bunker Hill, IN; and her brother, Robert Stewart of Peru, IN. Della was a proud grandmother to three grandchildren: Brian Hullett, Jim Dean,  and Erynn O’Neill; and a loving great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren: Zeke Hullett, Henry Dean, Zaiden Hullett, Maggie O’Neill, and Emma O’Neill. She is also survived by a host of friends and extended family members who will deeply miss her warmth and kindness.

Funeral services to honor Della's life will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Malone Funeral Home, with Bro. Grant Sammons officiating. Visitation will be held from 1 PM until the service hour on Sunday.  A graveside service will take place in the Galveston Cemetery in Galveston, Indiana at 2 pm Thursday, September 18, 2025. 

In this time of sorrow, the family invites you to share your condolences and memories at www.malonefuneralhome.com. Della's spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Della Susie Ann (Stewart) Stapleton, please visit our floral store.