Stella May Callahan, of Knifley, the daughter of the late Robert Perkins and Jessie Lewis Perkins, was born May 30, 1937, in Adair County and departed this life on June 6, 2026, at the age of 89.
She professed faith in Christ and was a member of the Robinson Chapel Separate Baptist Church. She was a retired Certified Nursing Assistant and had worked for Summit Manor Nursing Home and Westlake Regional Hospital. She had a strong faith in God, loved attending church and helping with Vacation Bible School. She enjoyed gardening, flowers and taking care of animals.
She united in marriage to James “Eddie” Callahan, and he preceded her in death in 2008.
She is survived by two daughters, Tammy Burton (Keith) of Knifley and Tracy Jones (Joey) of Elk Horn; four grandchildren, Ryan Burton (Keri), Sarah Willoughby (Chase), Emily Burton and James Eric Burton; eight great-grandchildren, Zachary Burton, Cameron Burton, Jonah Burton, Waylon Burton, Noah Burton, Ellie Corbin, Sophie Willoughby and Wyatt Willoughby; one brother and one sister, Delbert Perkins of Knifley and Margaret “Tinkie” Moss (Jerry) of Columbia; one niece, LaRonda Perkins Vella; a very special caregiver, Donna Purvis; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Besides her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by six siblings, William, David, Donnie, Ronnie, Alan and Mary.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at L.R. Petty Funeral Home. Bro. Billy Wilson and Bro. Raymond Atwood will officiate.
Interment in Robinson Chapel Cemetery in Knifley.
Visitation from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the funeral home.
