Minerva Jean (Stalter) Birkey, 94, of Paxton passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 3, 2026, surrounded by her family.  She is reunited with her husband, Kelly, who passed December 29, 2025.

Minerva was born August 23, 1931, the daughter of Ruth (Heiser) Stalter and Aaron Stalter of rural Fisher.

She married Kelly Birkey on February 24, 1950, at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher.  They celebrated their 75th anniversary this past year.

Minerva attended Fisher High School.  She worked as a telephone operator and then as a florist.  Her true joys were supporting and following Kelly in all of his interests and raising her family.  She was a woman of deep faith and enjoyed serving through mission trips to South Texas and Mexico for 25 years.

Minerva is survived by daughters, Debbie (Arlo) Deremiah and Jan Wilson both of Paxton; son, Jeff (Sherrill) Birkey of St. Joseph; two brothers, Dave and Bob Stalter both of Fisher.  She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren and a son-in-law, Mike Adwell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kelly; two daughters, an infant Kim Renee and Teri Adwell; a son-in-law, Jeff Wilson; one granddaughter, Haley Lukens; one grandson-in-law, Brian Marshall and one great-granddaughter, Madison Fuoss.

Minerva and Kelly's joint visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Christian Life Church, 300 N. Maplewood Drive, Rantoul and also Friday one hour before the funeral service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.

Their funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, also at Christian Life Church, Rantoul.   A private family burial will follow the funeral service later in the day.  Baier Family Funeral Service, Paxton is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Christian Life Church, 300 N. Maplewood, Rantoul.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baier funeralservices.com.