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Sarah Stephens Obituary
She was born March 3, 1939, in Seymour at Schneck Medical Center.
She married Dr. Robert Verlin Stephens at Harvest Christian Church, Seymour, on Aug. 13, 1961. They renewed their vows for their 50th anniversary, also at Harvest Christian Church, six weeks ago.
After her husband's completion of his medical training and his tour of duty in Vietnam, Sarah and Robert moved to Phoenix in 1973, where they have resided ever since.
The loving mother of three sons was a wonderful wife for 50 years and the queen of our hearts.
The most active woman we knew, she attended Emerson Elementary School and graduated from Shields High School in 1957, where she had been president of the Latin Club and played trumpet in the band. She earned her bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University in 1961, where she met the love of her life, Robert Stephens, on the Delta Epsilon firetruck. She was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority.
During Sarah's entire life, she was an expert at finding or creating the next good time for family and friends. She was an elementary school teacher for 15 years in Indiana, Akron, Ohio, and East Greenwich, R.I. And she still found time to be the social chairman for the Class of 1965 Indiana University School of Medicine. In fact, over the years she was also the social chairman of the Dirty Dozen, of Mamakai Medical Society, and most importantly of her family.
Every summer she packed up her three sons into a 40-foot motor home and drove them all over the United States, her hope being to see them in each of the 50 states and teach them about the greatness of our country.
Over her 72 years, she was a rancher, a part owner of Phoenix International Raceway, owner and manager of Lazy TC Ranch in Safford, Ariz., CEO of DB Associates, member of the New Orleans Krewe of Iris and the 2003 Queen of Iris at Mardi Gras. She was a traveler of the world. She and her husband visited 102 different countries and all seven continents, including Antarctica.
You would never find her without a Coke in hand and her love of french fries was topped only by her love of family and friends. Christmas was her special holiday and she made sure it was perfectly amazing every year.
She is survived by three sons and a daughter-in-law, Todd Stephens, Marc and Kelly Stephens and Craig Stephens; grandchildren, Fletcher Stephens and Sloan Stephens; and a brother, Dr. Don C. Steinker.
We will say bon voyage to Sarah on her final journey at the Seymour Harvest Christian Church, 414 N. Chestnut St., Seymour, at 1 p.m. Thursday. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Voss Funeral Service, Seymour, and after noon Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Sarah's name to Schneck Medical Foundation, 411 W. Tipton St., Seymour, IN 47274.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Stephens
October 27, 2011
RV,
We just heard the news and are so sorry for your loss. I am so glad you got out of the "rat race" when you did and have had some summers with all your family in Indiana.
Sam and Joan from Arrowhead Surgery
(formerly the St. Luke's gang)
October 22, 2011
Bob, Marc, Todd, Craig, and all the family.
We were very saddened by the loss of Sarah who was a wonderful wife and mother. She loved and enjoyed her family so very much. I feel honored to have known her from the time she joined the Krewe of Iris and then reigning as the beaufiful and gracious queen. We all enjoyed our times together and were both natives of Indiana. She was a great lady who will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Love,
Marilyn Barnhart and family, Gordon, Julia and Claire Gegenheimer
Fort Worth, Texas
Todd Stephens
October 16, 2011
Mom,
Only my never ending stream for tears can express my LOVE for you !
My broken heart will only heal by the fact you gave me life and taught me to see good in this world. I'm blessed with a strong family
Judy Springer
October 10, 2011
RV, I am at a loss for words! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Scott and Natalie stahl
October 9, 2011
sarah will be missed greatly. i will always remember growing up around the stephens house. sarah's smile and great love for life will always remain. dr. stephens, todd marc, craig and family. our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry Eglen
October 8, 2011
Bob and family
Sarah has been a friend for nearly 70 years and I extend my deepest sympathy to your family. She exemplified class and concern with everyone she came in contact. All of us (classmates) will miss her.
Larry Eglen
Beth Blink
October 7, 2011
Dear Bob and family,
Althought I was not personally there, I watched the clock on both days imagining you and praying for you to have Comfort and Grace.
I was especially blessed to have know Sarah and family. You opened your unconditional arms to Jim and especially me, after knowing Jane, and I felt welcomed and accepted.
What a wonderful, exciting person was Sarah. She just brightened the place where she happened to be. Her organizational skills were something I aspired to have.
She will be missed by Jim and I.
Love to you all.
October 6, 2011
Dr. Stephens, Marc, Todd, and Craig,
I have many fond memories of your beautiful wife and mother during my high school years. I am blessed to say that I knew such an amazing woman. I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Tammy (Gosselin) Svedin
October 5, 2011
Our dear Doctor Bob, and all your family..
we feel your loss, and will forever miss our "QUEENIE"
her memory will live on through all of our fond remembrances of her zest for life, and how she made all of us a part of her adventures
with lots of love
Judy, Robt, Corey and Craig Nyman
October 5, 2011
Dr Stephens and Family,
My father was a patient of yours and am really saddened to hear about your wife. My brother Chuck used to make coca cola deliveries to your home. Thanks for being a great physican to my father who is now deceased (2007)
Barbara Faultner-Flannery
Christina Smith-Riesenbeck
October 5, 2011
I will always remember her perkiness at our 50th class reunion. God Bless your family
Mary Rebber
October 5, 2011
Dear Stephens Family,
We were sorry to hear about Sarah. We will always remember how gracious she was to us during our 50th Class (1957) Reunion.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Don and Mary Rebber
October 4, 2011
Dr. Stephens, Todd, Marc and Craig,
Our family is so sad to hear of your loss. I have so many fun memories of Sarah and your whole family. Please know we will be praying for you all during this difficult time.
Much Love,
Mike and Suzy Lee Family
Johhn and Sandy Kovalik and family
October 4, 2011
Bob,Todd, Mark, Craig
Sandy and I wish to express to you all our deepest sympathies.
We will remember fondly all the great times that we got to share with you all. We'll miss Sarah immensely. We can safely say that she was one of a kind. We'll look forward to seeing you in Phoenix to personally express our condolences. God bless the Stephens family.
Matt Stallings
October 4, 2011
Dear Stephens Family,
I am so sorry for the passing of Sarah. I remember all those great times I had with your family as I was growing up around all of you. Specially at Mardi Gras and the house boat. She will be missed.
Matt and Alice Stallings
October 4, 2011
Bob so for your lose of Sarah she will be missed .
Carol and Gene Heiwig
Louise and Jim Madden
October 4, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 4, 2011
Dear Bob and family,
What will we do with out our Sister Sassee? We will not have as much fun or be as organized.
Our love to you and your family,
The Dirty Dozen
Beverly Sawyer
October 4, 2011
Bob, I am stunned and so sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. God be with you and your family at this difficult time and may you all find peace in remembering this Great Lady. Beverly Sawyer
Dennis & Lynn Wood
October 4, 2011
RV,Lynn and I are so sorry to hear about Sarah's passing. Her constant smile left a lasting impression. Though our meetings with you and Sarah were brief, they were enjoyable. A very sweet lady. Our prayes to you and the children.
Darlene Hagan
October 4, 2011
RV, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Sarah will always be in our memories. Thank you for all the great times we shared in Phoenix and New Orleans. Love, Darlene Hagan
October 4, 2011
Bob,out prayers go with you and the family at this time of need. We give thanks for the great times we shared at the MardiGras.
Jack and Melinda Richard, New Orleans La.
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