Earl Ray Stoltz

Earl Ray Stoltz, 94, of St. Francisville, Illinois passed away on October 3, 2026, at his home, located one mile south of the Mt. Carmel Airport in Lawrence County, Illinois.

He was born on November 24, 1931 at home, which was located one mile north of the Mt. Carmel Airport. He was the son of William Alvin Otto “Allie” and Maude Lucy (Lewis) Stoltz. He attended Douglas School, a one room schoolhouse, walking there all during his grade school years 1 thru 8. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in the spring of 1950. He was drafted into the US Army in December 1950, reporting in January 1951 and serving through 1952. He was especially happy that he was able to be home for Christmas in 1950, and again in 1952, as he had spent Christmas 1951 in Germany.

He married Virginia Irene Stout on July 23, 1955. Earl was a farmer, with a great love of the land. He had a servant’s heart. He not only farmed, he also tended to a huge garden each year. The produce from his garden provided for his family all winter. He shared produce with friends, neighbors or anyone in need of fresh food. He was also known for Stoltz Corn, which was a specific specialty brand of sweet corn.

He attended several churches during his long life, Emmanuel Tabernacle being his last church family. He served on church boards, was active in public affairs, school boards and was a township trustee. He was involved in community projects, and the Simpson and Orio Chowders.

Earl loved giving children rides on his lawn tractor, even making attachments for hauling a group of kids. After retiring from farming, Earl had time to make various welding art made with parts from old machinery. He was a handyman skilled in electricity, welding, and carpentry work, all done while doing his true love, farming.

Earl is survived by his wife, Virginia; their children Donna Irene (Thomas) Deckard, Janice Rae Stoltz, Virginia Cherie Alane (Steve) Casada, Earl Eugene (Tonya) Stoltz, and Philip Ray (T.J.) Stoltz; 13 grandchildren Julia (Jeff) Bowen, Kaylene Deckard, Jeremiah Deckard, Brittani (Nick) Atchley, Brandi (Adam) Eaton, Breanna (Chris) Boyd, Steven Casada, Ranen Stoltz, Matia Stoltz, Elia Stoltz, Benjamin Lindsey, Samuel Stoltz, and Andrew (Bree) Stoltz; and 8 great grandchildren Malachi, Gabriel, Trinity, Desmond, Ivan, Urrick, Oliver and Zachariah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Jennie Irene (Henry) Gilliatt, Ernest Otto Stoltz, and Marshall Lewis “Bob” (Garnett) Stoltz; and two infant children, a female preemie born in 1955, and Brenda Kay, born and passed in 1956.

Visitation services for Earl Stoltz will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Ingram Meridith Funeral Home in Allendale, Illinois. A time of Memorial Remembrance will be held at 5:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Ingram Meridith Funeral Home of Allendale, Illinois is honored to assist the family of Earl Ray Stoltz with arrangements.