Stella Huso, recognized as the nation’s oldest living Gold Star Mother, passed away in hospice care Sunday afternoon at Lakeview Care Center in Buffalo. She was 105 years and seven months old.

Stella had celebrated a very busy year, observing her 105th birthday in front of her friends, family and several area American Legion and Auxiliary members at Big Lake High School in January. She remained active throughout the spring, attending with family members Memorial Day ceremonies at Big Lake Cemetery. She was in good health throughout the spring and only began to fade recently, leading to her being admitted to Lakeview. On warm afternoons, she still enjoyed a wheelchair ride outside.

Peterson Funeral Home of St. Michael is in charge of the arrangements, which have not yet been set. Interment will be at Big Lake Cemetery, next to her husband, Ordin and son, Wayde, killed in action in Vietnam, August, 1969.

Check back next week for a feature story on this most fascinating woman.