Stephen LaGrange

Stephen Quince LaGrange

1942 - 2024

Stephen Quince La Grange, age 81, of Santa Maria, CA, passed away March 27, 2024. He was born April 16, 1942, during WWII, to Karrol W. La Grange and Nan (Leatherman) La Grange. He was known by his family and friends by either Quince or Steve depending on what part of his life's path you met him. He was the youngest of two children. He was known for his quick wit, his deep laugh, and his willingness to always help a friend. His sense of humor and storytelling entertained his friends and family always. He had a passion for learning and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. His infectious smile and positive energy will be dearly missed.

He grew up in the southwest, living on ranches in Texas, and on a claim in Arizona, and a Dude Ranch in Colorado. He graduated High School in Yuma, AZ. Stephen served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years as a cryptographer stationed in Washington DC and the Pentagon. After his discharge, he spent time in New Orleans and then moved to the central coast of California and worked as a cryptographer and transportation pool manager at Vandenberg with a NASA contractor. This is where he met his future wife, Maureen (Golob). Quince married Maureen in 1968. Government rules & company policies at that time stated employees could not work with a spouse. A career change was made. He embarked on a career that included positions of Branch Manager and Human Resources Manager at Bank of America. He managed different branches in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties. After retiring from B of A, he continued his banking career with Golden 1 Credit Union in Goleta and Hacienda Bank in Santa Maria. His bank career lasted 30+ years. It was here his love of connecting with people really shined. As he met people in the community, many became lifelong friends. After retiring he would visit his friends at their businesses and found himself helping in a jewelry store and a lock & key shop. He just couldn't retire to the rocking chair.

In his free time, Stephen enjoyed music, and learned to play a few instruments. He also loved traveling, taking family road trips around the United States, and vacationing in Europe. He played poker monthly with the same group of friends for 40 years. His hobbies included woodturning, beachcombing, hunting, camping, fishing, reading poetry, art in many forms, and storytelling.

He was a free and accepted Mason and was Master of Hesperian Lodge #262 in 1992. He enjoyed being part of the annual Spelling Bee Committee for the elementary school students and the Scholarship Committee for high school seniors.

He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and was active in the Men's Discipleship Group and enjoyed positions of Usher and Greeter and Scripture Reader during Sunday Services. Before the pandemic he would pick up trash on the Express Way, serve food at the Good Samaritan Shelter and join other participants in the Serve Santa Maria activities.

He often was at his daughters' youth groups activities, softball games, soccer games, swim meets, Junior Achievement, Camp Fire camping, and dance recitals. He was on the Board of Directors for the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, and Boy Scouts of America. He was an active member of Righetti High School site council and during the Santa Barbara County Fair he was part of the auction team that helped the youth sell their animals.

Quince is survived by his wife of 56 years, Maureen (Golob) La Grange; daughters Jenell (La Grange) Miller and Kristen La Grange; grandchildren Alora Grace La Grange, Brady Quince Miller, and Erin Noelle Miller; son-in-law Jeff Miller, brother-in-law Joseph A. Golob; and several nieces and nephews. Stephen Quince is preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister, Gail Ginger La Grange.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 13, 2024, 11:00 am at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4380 Orcutt Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93455. A Burial-at-Sea Ceremony will take place off the Coast of San Diego County by the U. S. Navy. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research or a charity of your choice.

May Stephen Quince La Grange's memory be a blessing to all who knew him.