Stella Ziegler

Stella Ann (Marapese) Ziegler of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17 at home after a courageous battle against cancer.

She was born on April 25, 1939, in Rochester, New York, to Italian immigrants Patrick Marapese and Antoinette (Madalena) Marapese. Stella was always proud of her Italian heritage, which was reflected in her love of family, food and traditions.

At the age of seven Stella moved with her family to Los Angeles, California, where they became deeply involved in St. Michael’s Catholic Church. She attended St. Michael’s Elementary School and later graduated from St. Mary’s Academy Girls Catholic High School in 1956.

During her senior year, Stella met the love of her life, James “Ziggy” Ziegler, when her mother arranged for her to attend her Fall Formal with a young man who had just returned from serving in the Korean War. Their families knew each other through the parish.  Ziggy loved to tell the story that he believed Stella was 18 years old when he took her on that first date, only to later learn she was actually 16 —having been advanced a year in school. After that first date, their lifelong bond was undeniable. They became engaged upon her graduation at age 17 and were married on January 19, 1957. Their marriage would last longer than many lifetimes, with Ziggy passing away on the day of their 66th wedding anniversary.

Although Stella had planned to attend nursing school, she chose instead to start a family with Ziggy as soon as they were married. Together they settled in Los Angeles, where Stella gave birth to her first four children.

In 1963, seeking a quieter life, the family moved to San Luis Obispo, California, where they welcomed two more children. During these years, Stella was actively involved at the Mission Nativity School and served as a 4-H Club leader, supporting her children in projects such as sewing, cooking and raising sheep and steers. Reflecting the spirit of the 1960s, she also explored her creative side, taking classes in guitar, painting, and upholstery.

In May 1971 Stella and Ziggy embarked on a month-long cross-country road trip with their five children in a Volkswagen van, visiting family in North Dakota,  Minnesota and New York, and staying at KOA campgrounds along the way. Inspired by the campground experience, they decided to purchase their own KOA campground and start a family business, which they did at Santa Margarita Lake in California. Their travels also brought them to Billings, Montana, where they ultimately relocated in 1974 after purchasing the Billings KOA campground.

Four years later, while searching for their next business venture, a visit to Great Falls introduced them to the Great Harvest Bread Company. In 1978, they opened the first Great Harvest franchise in Billings. Soon after, they expanded and purchased the Spaghetti Depot and Dinner Theater and renamed it Stella's Place. In 1984 Ziggy and Stella decided to integrate the bakery and restaurant business and founded what would become a Billings institution — Stella’s Kitchen and Bakery. Stella developed many of the beloved recipes, including her famous cinnamon rolls and breakfast menus. The restaurant was even recognized by Gourmet Magazine as a destination for a true family-owned local dining experience. In 2019, Stella and Ziggy retired and sold the business, leaving behind a lasting legacy for the Billings community.

As a business owner, Stella was deeply engaged in the Billings community. She was active in the Billings Downtown Business Association and the Billings Chamber of Commerce, received Business of the Year honors and the Legacy Award in 2019. Known for her generosity, she believed in giving people second chances and served on the board of Alternatives, earning the Outstanding Employer Award. She also supported Ziggy in his advocacy efforts to end the death penalty in Montana and to free Barry Beach after Barry spent 28 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Stella’s community service extended across many organizations. In 2009, she was named a YWCA Woman of the Year. She was also recognized as a Billings Clinic Foundation Friend of Billings, served for 27 years on the Phillips 66 Refinery Citizens Advisory Board, and was a longtime board member and President of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation Board and Operating Board.  In 2023 she was honored as the Outstanding Philanthropist in Montana by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Montana chapter.

Stella’s Catholic faith was always central to her life. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick Co-Cathedral, serving as a Eucharistic Minister.  She also was involved with the Cursillo movement, member of the church restoration committee and a member of several diocese committees. She was equally committed to Catholic education, serving as a Billings Catholic Schools Foundation Board Member, Mayfair chairman, school board member, and capital campaign leader for the construction of the new St. Francis Catholic School. She was honored with the Billings Catholic Schools Legacy Award and established a scholarship fund in Ziggy’s name when he passed away in 2023.

Stella had a deep love for cooking and took great joy in sharing meals, recipes, and her knowledge of food with others. She adored animals and cherished the many dogs and cats she welcomed into her life. She especially loved spending time at the family cabin in Red Lodge with Ziggy. You could always find Stella attending Billings Central High School football and basketball games, enjoying a classic Western on TV, playing FreeCell, and watching Jeopardy! daily. Stella always made the effort to visit her children across the United States, Europe,  South America, and Asia, creating lasting memories with her family.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband James “Ziggy” Ziegler, and her infant son, John.

She is survived by her brother, Kenneth Marapese of Long Beach, California; her children: Judith (Morgan) McGrath of Armonk, New York; James Jr. (Susan) Ziegler of Laurel, Montana; Jerome (Susanna) Ziegler of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Joel (Donna) Ziegler of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Red Lodge, Montana; and Jacquelyn Ziegler of Independence, Oregon. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Sarah; Morgan Jr. (Grace); Alicia (Nate); Stella Jean; Amanda; Shandy; Justin; Ashley (Morgan); Morgan (Austin); Sophia; and Alecsander; as well as her great-grandchildren: James, Keilah, Izabella, John, and Draco.

Stella’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Billings Clinic— especially those on the cancer care floor — as well as to RiverStone Hospice, for their compassion and care.

When one of the many wonderful nurses at the Billings Clinic recognized her one day, and said "Wait, you are THE Stella of Stella's? My family and I LOVE your restaurant!" she made a rough day a beautiful day for Stella. 

Yes, she was that Stella. But she was also so much more: a loving wife of 66 years; a wonderful example of what true service to the community means; a devoted Catholic whose faith was reflected in her daily actions; a sister who always looked up to her big brother; and a loyal friend to those she shared her life with in Billings.

Stella will always be a role model for her children and their families, setting a high standard for how to live a truly Christian, happy, impactful, hardworking, honest, and caring life —and to do so with her incredible smile and a heart full of love that only grew larger throughout her 87 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ziggy and Stella Ziegler Scholarship Fund at Billings Catholic Schools Foundation, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter or a charity of your choice.

A vigil rosary will be held at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral on Monday, June 22 at 6:00pm.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral on Tuesday, June 23 at 12 noon with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.