Luann Kaye Stemler, 60, of Apex, N.C., formerly of Maroa, died June 5, 2014 in Durham, N.C., after a 22-month, hard-fought battle with stage four ovarian cancer.

Luann was born Aug. 12, 1953 to the late William F. and Mary Kelly Wikoff.

She was a graduate of Illinois State University with her B.S. in home economics education, M.S. in applied computer science and Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction. She started and taught the computer program at Maroa-Forsyth High School before moving on to become an assistant professor of applied computer science and Assistant Director of InfoTech at Illinois State University.

She finished her long teaching career as an assistant professor of management information systems at Millikin University.

Her devotion to education and the community was evident in the 10 years she served as a Maroa-Forsyth School Board member, the majority of which was spent as president.

Her belief and faith in God’s love sustained her during her battle with cancer. She shared this faith with others as a member and Sunday school teacher at Maroa United Methodist Church in Maroa and Merritts Chapel United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Luann was an avid quilter that belonged to the Decatur Quilt Guild and Frayed Edges Bee while living in Illinois. She enjoyed her retirement as a member of the Carolina Longarm Association, the Capital Quilt Guild, and the Circle of Friends Bee in N.C.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Luann is survived by her husband of 39 years, Kenneth H. Stemler; daughters Colleen Stemler of Cary, N.C.; and Nikki O’Connell and her husband, Brian, also of Cary, N.C.; and two grandchildren, Alexis and Kallie O’Connell.

The family wishes to thank the countless prayers, notes, meals, and kind gestures extended to Luann and family over the last two years from close friends, family and even strangers.

A special thanks to Dr. Angeles Secord, Dr. Amy Wallace, RN Jennifer Mewshaw and the rest of the Duke GYN-Oncology team for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Luann during this battle.

Visitation took place June 10 at Merritt’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, N.C. A memorial service will take place June 14 following a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Maroa United Methodist Church in Maroa.

Memorial contributions may be made in Luann’s name to Merritt’s Chapel United Methodist Church.