Lee (Bolling) Stifter

Phyllis Lee Bolling Stifter “Lee”, age 92, passed away Saturday, September 4th, 2021, at Cleveland Clinic with family at her side. Lee was born on July 23rd, 1929, to John Marcus Bolling and Mabel Bolling (Picklesimer) in Pikeville, Kentucky.

She graduated from Lynchburg College and was a teacher of many grade levels, often at the same time. Lee lived in Avon Lake, Ohio for over 30 years with her husband Dr. John Joseph Stifter III (departed). She particularly enjoyed spending time at their summer home and making lifelong friendships at Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Lee later moved with her husband to Amelia Island, Florida and then Jacksonville, Florida where she had many friends, served as the Block Captain of the Fishweir Neighborhood Watch, and was known for her amazing brownies. Lee and John shared an amazing life together filled with travels to nearly every state in the country and numerous trips to Europe, where Lee enjoyed visiting Bolling Hall in Bradford, England as well as Paris and London. Lee is survived by her brother-in-law, Edward Lemach Caldwell, Sr; daughter, Deborah Lee Sirica (Michael R., departed); son, John Joseph Stifter IV; daughter, Mara Elizabeth Evans (Jeremy); four grandchildren: Kate Lauren Stifter, Jonah Ellis Evans, John Joseph Stifter V, Caroline Mercedes Stifter and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Also preceded in death by siblings: Olva Anna Crocker, Robert Marcus Bolling, Ruth Jean Guthrie, and Sue Bolling Caldwell.

Lee particularly enjoyed being close to family, especially living next door to Dr. Stephen Kiss, his wife Barbara and their many children. In addition, she shared many fond memories and years with the Crocker family at their farm.

Lee volunteered for many organizations such as the Girl Scouts, the PTA and was still serving as Vice President Emeritus of The Bolling Family Association at the time of her passing. Lee was an amazing storyteller with detailed memories of history, family lore, and was known to be fantastic with children all her life. Lee had an immense love of books and magazines that was outnumbered only by librarians. Lee was both giving and kind; she would always put others needs before herself.

What Lee endured over years and years would have broken most people, but not Lee. She had an immeasurable strength and determination. She persevered through countless surgeries in her life, and even overcame cancer. She lived life to its fullest and when life got tough, she just looked to the future and kept going, time and time again. Despite all these challenges, she enjoyed camping in her 90’s and was traveling the world as recently as July 2021 when she visited the US Virgin Island of Saint John with her family.  As Lee would often say of others, we now say, “bless your soul,” Lee.

The viewing will take place at 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. EST on Friday, September 10th. at the funeral home.

Please join the Stifter Family in celebrating the life of Lee on Saturday, September 11th at 11:00 a.m. EST.  The service will be held at the Bauer Funeral Home, 2089 Columbia Road, Valley City, Ohio 44280, (330) 483-3300. The family requests you please sign Lee’s on-line guestbook: www.bauerfuneralhome1943.com. If you are unable to attend and would like to virtually participate via live stream, send a friend request to Lee Stifter on Facebook and visit her page at that time.

The committal will follow at Myrtle Hill Cemetery on Myrtle Hill Road just east of Columbia Road where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband. Luncheon to follow at the Old School House, 3940 Avon Lake Road, Litchfield, Ohio 44253.

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