MARY MARGARET STEPHENS

Mary Margaret Stephens, daughter of Harry Glen and Lois Pearl (Buck) Trimble, was born October 9, 1921 at home in Rice Township, Ringgold County, Iowa. Mary lived most all of her life in Rice Township. She graduated from Delphos High School.
On June 1, 1943, Mary was united in marriage to Lloyd Ernest Stephens, Jr. at her parents’ home near Kellerton. To this marriage was born four children: Richard, Dennis, Susan and Sandra.
Mary will always be remembered as a loving wife and mother who cared for her family. She was humble in heart and would often say that her family was her greatest achievement. She was a wonderful cook; grew a huge garden; and was a prolific quilter and seamstress. She enjoyed knitting and making slippers, caps, and other useful items. Mary was an avid reader. She was raised in the Baptist church and is currently a member of the United Baptist Presbyterian Church.
Mary passed away on December 17, 2018 while surrounded by her children and their spouses. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd on August 22, 2005; sister, Doris Hannon and husband, Paul; brothers and sisters-in-law, Spencer (Lois) Stephens, Sherrill (Erna) Stephens, Joe (Esther) Stephens, Muriell Stephens, Clarice (LJ “Red”) Minnick, John Stephens, and Bill (Gaylene) Stephens.
Those left to cherish her memory include four great children and their spouses, Richard (Linda) Stephens of Rock Port, MO, Dennis (Donna) Stephens of Mount Ayr, IA, Susan Stephens of Leavenworth, KS and Sandra Stephens of Lawrence, KS; five wonderful grandchildren and their spouses, Ernest (Jill) Stephens, Jennifer (Boyd) Burn, Brenda (Cliff) Morris, Tim (Marie) Stephens, Debbie (Steve) Stephens-Jonker; nine perfect great grandchildren, Madelynn Burn, Stephen Burn, Ella Morris, Henry Morris, Harrison Stephens, Ben Stephens, James Stephens, Joy Stephens, and Keller Jonker; brother, LeRoy (Betty Jean “Butch”) Trimble of Mount Ayr, IA; sister-in-law, Ruby Stephens of Shannon City, IA; other relatives and friends. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.
Celebration of life services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the United Baptist Presbyterian Church in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Officianting will be Pastor Mike Maddy.
Musicians will be Nancy Sackett and Deb Larson.
Special songs will be “Heaven Came Down”, “In The Garden” and “Take My Hand, Precious Lord”.
Casketbearers will be Ernest Stephens, Jill Stephens, Jennifer Burn, Boyd Burn, Brenda Morris, Cliff Morris, Tim Stephens, Marie Stephens, Debbie Stephens-Jonker, Steve Jonker, Madelynn Burn, Stephen Burn, Ella Morris, Henry Morris, Harrison Stephens, Ben Stephens, James Stephens, Joy Stephens and Keller Jonker.
Mary will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Memorials are to the United Baptist Presbyterian Church.