Stella Jessie Robison

Stella Jessie Robison (Fox) passed away in her home Sunday, July 3, 2016. Stella was born in Topeka, KS on July 30, 1920 to Harry Richard Fox and Florence Jessie Fox (Graham).

On May 29, 1942 Stella married Paul C. Robison in Salinas, CA where he was stationed as an Army Sergeant in the motor pool. During his time in the service, they also lived in Fayetteville, NC and Portland, OR. In September of 1945, Paul returned from the war and the couple moved to Topeka where Paul took over his family's service station business in North Topeka.

In her 20's Stella worked for Capper's Publications in the household magazine department. In 1942, she was featured in the Topeka State Journal as a pioneer in the movement to allow women to wear pants to work. This not only aided in the efforts to conserve nylons, but also made climbing ladders and cold offices much more tolerable. This spunky, innovative spirit continued to shine throughout her lifetime.

In her 30's Stella was an active member of the Civil Defense Movement and was appointed as Chairman of the Women's Division of Civil Defense for Topeka and Shawnee County. She organized a community mass-feeding exercise and worked to ensure all children had identification tags in the event of an atomic war.

After operating the service station with Paul for many years, Stella worked for the State of Kansas in the Employment Security Liability Enforcement Division until her retirement. The couple enjoyed traveling in their motor home and spent many cold winters in sunny Arizona. They were active members of the Moose Lodge, where Stella held several officer positions.

Following Paul's death in 1988, Stella worked part-time with children at Building Blocks Academy. She was an avid BINGO player and loved her semi-annual trips to Las Vegas.

Stella was an exceptionally proud woman. She took pride in all she had accomplished in her life, especially her family. She is survived by her sons Russ Robison (Barbara) of Topeka and Harry "Rocky" Robison (Isabel) of Pantego, TX. Stella had four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Burial services will be held at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery on July 7 at 1:00p.m. The family would like to express our thanks to the wonderful care given by Midland Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice at 200 SW Frazier Circle, 66606