Stella Louise (Pasillas) Ensminger

Stella Louise (Pasillas) Ensminger

Engaging Personality -

Stella Louise (Pasilla) Ensminger, age 73, of Carlisle, and formerly of Lincoln, California, passed away peacefully at Carolyn’s House on Friday, June 12, 2020.  Stella was born on Monday, June 17, 1946, in Auburn, California, to the late Frank Martinez Pasillas and Fidela (Lopez) Pasillas.  In addition to her parents, Stella is preceded in death by her son, John Stephen Ensminger, Jr.

Stella’s survivors include her loving husband of almost 56 years, John Stephen Ensminger, Sr.; her son, Christopher Alan Ensminger of Carlisle; her granddaughter, Erica Roman and husband Nicholas of Carlisle; her great-grandson, Elias John Roman; and her brother, Frank M. Pasillas of Lincoln, California.

Stella graduated from Lincoln High School as part of the class of 1964.  She and John met while he was stationed at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, and they were married shortly after her graduation.  After living in California for several years, Stella and John settled and ultimately retired in Carlisle.  Stella shared her husband’s enthusiasm for his family’s pastime, auctioneering.  She helped him set up estate sales and even joined the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association Auxiliary.

As a woman of strong faith, Stella liked to listen to praise music and read the Bible.  For the past 25 years, Stella was a member of Harvest Church in New Kingstown, where she found joy in working as a teacher’s aide with the infants and pre-schoolers at the church’s Lambsgate Children’s Center.  Stella delighted in spending time at the couple’s RV site in Lake Raystown.  On the way home one Sunday, she asked John to stop at Safe Harbor Church in Saxton, PA, and they became members there, as well.

Stella was a collector of marbles and a board and card game buff; she especially enjoyed playing Mexican Train Dominoes, Rummy, and Phase 10.   An excellent homemaker, Stella’s enchiladas were a family favorite.  John fondly refers to Stella as Miss Personality because she had a gift of engaging with people and would often learn a stranger’s life story before they parted company.  One time, in a Washington, D.C. Metro car, where people usually hid behind papers, books or devices, Stella inspired everyone in the car to interact with each other just by listening to their stories.  Stella’s engaging personality will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

All are welcome to join Stella’s family at her viewing on Thursday, June 18, 2020, from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. and her funeral service at 11:45 a.m. at Harvest Church, 6950 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050; with Pastor Fred Tiday officiating.  Burial will be in Longsdorf Cemetery in Mechanicsburg after the service.  Stella’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at her church following the burial.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at HCP and Carolyn’s House who so lovingly cared for Stella during her illness.  Contributions in celebration of Stella’s life can be made to HCP, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17011; www.HospiceOfCentralPA.org.

Stella’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Stella’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.