Eleanor Gail Stein, age 100, went home to be with her Lord on April 10, 2020. She died peacefully after a 2-day severe decline. She will be remembered as a godly example of serving her Lord faithfully, always with a smile and a contented heart.

Gail was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years, Howard Stein. He died in 2013. Gail is survived by her 3 children: Phil Stein of Carol Stream, IL; Dwight (Sue) Stein of Wheaton, IL; Jean (Greg) Giles of Cordell, OK. Also, 6 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren: Christy (Jerrik) Haman of Fort Hood, Texas; children: Hezekiah, Gideon, Josiah; Cheri (Jared) Mullet of Whyalla South Australia; children: Alice, Bethany, Cameron, Matthew; Heidi Johnson of Cordell, OK; children: Madeline, Savannah, Aubrey, Anika; Timothy Stein of Hannibal, MO, Sarah (Andy) Soemo of Bothell, WA; children: Carter, Raylie, Mya, Briella; and Jeff Stein of Seattle, WA.

Gail was born in Muncie, IN, on July 23, 1919, and worked there as a social worker after graduating from Taylor University. She met Howard at Beulah Beach, OH, at a Bible conference. They were married in Gail's family living room so her bed-ridden mother could attend the ceremony.

Howard and Gail moved several times in the Midwest to plant churches for the Christian and Missionary Alliance. They moved to Wheaton, IL, in 1966 to teach at Wheaton Academy. Howard became the pastor of Fox Valley Bible Church in St. Charles, IL. Gail became the librarian at Madison Elementary School in Wheaton, using the Masters in Library Science degree that she had earned at Wayne State University a few years earlier. She worked there until she retired.

During retirement, Gail and Howard traveled to Hawaii and Israel. Their main focus continued to be ministry, leading Bible studies and practicing hospitality. Throughout the years, they opened their home to missionaries and students who needed a place to stay for days or even months. When they moved to Covenant Living at Windsor Park in 2005, they continued to minister to others, leading prayer groups, singing in the choir, volunteering at Repeat Boutique in Wheaton and at the Billy Graham Center.

We praise God that He was pleased to give Gail 100 years to glorify Him and to be a blessing to others. Her family and many friends will remember her quick, warm smile and her firm faith in her Lord. Even in her last 3 years, spent in Johnson Healthcare Center due to physical limitations, Gail's loving heart and cheerfulness were not diminished.

The family wishes to give a heart-felt thank you for the health care team, including hospice care, at Johnson Healthcare Center/Covenant Living at Windsor Park. Their care for Gail throughout her time there has been loving and careful. During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, their devotion has been exceptional.

Memorial gifts may be given to The Christian and Missionary Alliance and to the Covenant Living at Windsor Park Benevolent Fund .