Marceleet McElhinney Stimmel

Marceleet McElhinney Stimmel, known as Marcie to her family and friends, was born March 10, 1930, in Normal, Illinois. She passed into heaven on October 11, 2024, and is now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Marcie grew up at the Pinto Ranch in the small rural community of Menifee, California. As a young girl, ranch life and growing up around horses sparked her life-long passion for all things equestrian. She attended the one room Antelope School and then Hemet High School.

Marcie earned a degree in physical education and fine arts from the University of California at Los Angeles, graduating in 1953. Four months later she married James Russell Stimmel. With Jimmy beginning a career in the oil business, the young couple settled in Midland, Texas, where they raised their family of 3 children. Always involved in horse activities, Marcie gave every ounce of her talent and energy to her children and their equestrian success. Whether it was jumping, dressage, western events, polo, vaulting, or horse camp, Marcie would train the horses and coach her kids with love, leading adventures and making memories along the way. She opened the Midland Boarding Stable in the late 50’s. Later she owned and managed Mar-Tex farms. Having achieved her bronze and silver medals for the USDF, Marcie became a large “R” judge for the United States Dressage Association and for the United States Combined Training Association. Marcie was a member of the Midland First Presbyterian Church and attended Community Bible Study. She was a member of the Midland Symphony Guild and Chairman two years for the National Young Artists.

After retirement from the oil fields in West Texas in 2001, Jim and Marcie returned to her beloved Pinto Ranch in California. Here she again ignited a passion for ranch activities including competitive trail rides, goat raising (and milking), vaulting, hoe downs, barn dances and more. Marcie was serious about influencing her grandchildren in their equine pursuits, riding with them most every day. Besides her affection for horses, Marcie was known for raising good dogs. She could frequently be seen flying around the ranch in her golf cart, followed by her dogs. 

In 2021 Marcie made her final move to Viejo Springs Ranch in Junction, Texas. She developed a passion for Royal White Sheep and started her own herd. Marcie especially enjoyed driving out to do evening chores with her dogs, counting the sheep and oryx, and always searching for the cows.

In Junction, Marcie joined the First Presbyterian Church and Community Bible Study. In her final years, Marcie cultivated the habit of regularly reading through the Bible. Most mornings she could be found enjoying a good cup of coffee with her Bible in her lap. The week before she passed, she had been reading through Isaiah. One favorite verse stood out – Isaiah 46:4: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (NIV)

Marcie is survived by her brother Andy McElhinney (Camille) of Hemet, CA; her son Harley (Carolyn) and their four boys, Steven, Jake (Allison), Russell (Tiana), and Joe Mac; her daughter Martina (Jody) and their children Joel (Mary), and Reagan; her grandsons Tucker and Tap Shanklin; and three great grandchildren, Harley Stimmel, Dodge Stimmel, and Grady Dyer.

Marcie was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Jim Stimmel (2017), her daughter Hillary (2020), her granddaughter Marigrace (2024), and nephew Philip McElhinney (2024).

A memorial service will be held for Marcie on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Junction, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: New Century Hospice, 2210 Bandera Hwy. #B2, Kerrville, TX 78028; Community Bible Study - attn. donations, 790 Stout Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80921 

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076