Elizabeth Stofko

The hat and booties knitting antique hunter and Mattoon General Store proprietor Elizabeth Stofko, 69, of Sturgis, KY, died on January 5th, 2024.

Elizabeth began her journey through life in Szczecin, Poland in 1954, born into the home of Henryka and Stefan.  With the tragic death of her father Stefan at a young age, Elizabeth became a second caretaker for her younger siblings, Regina, Anna, and Waldemar.  Elizabeth finished primary and secondary education in Poland, before finishing trade school and entering the workforce.

She married her first husband, Jerzy, in Szczecin, Poland in 1977, and they welcomed into the world Elizabeth’s only son Robert the following year.

Elizabeth and Jerzy divorced in 1983 and she used the life opportunity to immigrate from Poland to the United States, settling in Denver Colorado with her sister Regina.

Over the ensuing years Elizabeth maintained a friendship with and eventually married her long time friend, Ryszard, in 1997.  After several more years in Colorado, the pair moved across the country to Kentucky, settling in a small rural home near the town of Sturgis.  

Elizabeth and Ryszard took ownership of the Mattoon General Store and quickly became a fixture in the community. Whether you enjoyed her food or haggled over an antique, Elizabeth’s no-nonse attitude and assertive temperament were memorable and left an impression on all those who frequented the store.

With Elizabeth’s exacting standards and expert guidance, she and Ryszard expanded on and together built a beautiful home where they lived, until first his and then her own passing.

Her journey ends, but her smile and laugh live on in our memories, and for those lucky enough to have them, a hat or pair of booties she knitted with her love.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by both her parents Stefan and Henryka as well as her younger sister Anna and husband Ryszard.  She is survived by her only son Robert, grandson Jackson, sister Regina, and brother Waldemar.

Services will be held at a later date.  You can visit the memorial web page and post a memory at https://everloved.com/life-of/elizabeth-stofko/

Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, KY is in charge of arrangements.