Melissa Marie “Missy” Stothoff, age 45 years, of Bethlehem Township, NJ, died on Monday, August 24, 2020 at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in New Brunswick, NJ, January 7, 1975, she had lived in various places in New Jersey, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania, making friends wherever she went.

A 1993 graduate of Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington, NJ, she continued on her educational path earning her nursing license from Lancaster Regional Hospital. Missy had worked for many years at Lancaster Cardiology where she was well loved by all of her patients as she had a keen sense of humor and an ear which truly listened to their stories.

It was at Hunterdon Central where Missy, walking down the hall in a moderately short skirt, mid-calf, four inch heel boots, and a white v-neck shirt, would run into Tom Stothoff, where she would leave him speechless and head over heels in love! Soul-mates, the couple were each others best friend. Equally strong-willed, they had the same life goals which helped as they soon found themselves in a new life role: that of a Mom and Dad.

Being a mother was the joy of Missy’s life. Loving and caring, she was devoted to her children and grandchildren, and strove to make them smile as often as possible.

Missy had many enjoyments in life; from spending time at the Jersey shore, especially Seaside Heights, to exploring caves and hiking many state parks, she loved being outside. Animals were the object of her affection and she defended and helped any animal she came across. From raccoons to cats, they all had a place in Missy’s heart. She had a special affinity for all birds as well as butterflies and dragonflies.

As she grew older, she found herself reborn again in the love of Jesus Christ. She was baptized several months ago and found much joy in bible study at Calvary Episcopal Church in Flemington, NJ. The words of Wisdom 3:1-6,9 held a special place in her heart and she encouraged many others to find hope with these words: The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.  They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead: and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction.  But they are in peace.  For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.  As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.  Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones and his care is with his elect.

Surviving are her husband of twenty-eight years, Thomas Keith Churchill Stothoff; her three daughters, Helena Harmony Miller, Emily Paige Stothoff Geiter, and Nina Tommie Ida Stothoff; four grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as MumMum; her grandmother, Mary Kroener; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Judith and William Stothoff; her adored pets, Zeus, Moo-Moo, and Marley; several extended family members; and many friends.

Life celebration services officiated by Rev. Nathan Ritter were private at Calvary Episcopal Church, New York Avenue and Broad Street, Flemington, NJ, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Cremation was private at Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ under the direct supervision of the Wright & Ford Licensed Care Team Family.

Please visit Missy’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Missy’s honor may be made to Calvary Episcopal Church, 44 Broad Street, Flemington, NJ 08822 or online by clicking HERE.

____________________________

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”