Mary Stephens

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Mary Louise Stephens, 98, of Wentworth, Missouri, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Lacoba Nursing Home in Monett, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on Monday, July 5, 1926, in rural Newton County, Missouri, to the union of the late Melford Roy and Lena Mae (Uber) McDonald. She was a 1944 graduate of Pierce City High School. 

On November 6, 1949, she was united in marriage to Sterling Ray Stephens, together they shared sixty-eight years of wonderful memories until his passing on December 29, 2017. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of Van Buren Baptist Church in Wentworth, Missouri, member of Wentworth Friendly Neighbors and past member of the Women’s Auxiliary of Wentworth. She enjoyed crafts, quilting, painting, working in her yard, long walks and picking wildflowers. Mary was loved by many, and her passing will leave an empty spot in many lives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sterling Stephens; grandson, Trenton Stephens; siblings, Irene Hutchenson, Melvin McDonald and Stanley McDonald.

Mary is survived by her children, Melford Leon Stephens and wife, Nancy, of Kansas City, Missouri, Keith Stephens and wife, Lorna, of Wheaton, Missouri and Nelda Kay Reardon and husband, Eugene of Wentworth, Missouri; grandchildren, Angel Marie Nottage, Matthew Stephens, B.J. Stephens, Aram Stephens, Nicole Brown and Ashley Mize; seventeen great-grandchildren two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Stephens are 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2024, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Dowell officiating. Burial will follow in Sarcoxie Cemetery. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Matthew Stephens, B.J. Stephens, Zane Stephens, Amos Mize, Hunter Mize, Kyle Brown and Damon Brown. Honorary pallbearer will be Aram Stephens. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through of website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Missouri.