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Debbie Stephens Obituary

Stephens, Debbie December 24, 1950 - June 2, 2018. Deborah "Debbie" Stephens was one of the nicest people you could meet, which makes sense since she was born on Christmas Eve. She was kind to every living being, opening her heart to any animal in danger or any human in need. She loved others as God loved her and practiced Matthew 25:35, "When I was hungry and you gave me food." She came to Wichita as a child, graduated from Wichita Collegiate, and attended Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. She lost husband Les in 1992. She worked in Human Resources for Target for many years, then in Human Resources at Independent Living Resource Center and was currently employed at Reformation Lutheran Church where she served as the office administrator and volunteer coordinator. She served with grace making everyone who walked in the door feel special. She was very active at St. James Episcopal Church. She graduated from Education for Ministry, a four-year course of study which resulted in certification from Sewanee of the South. She served St. James as a Sunday School for the young children for many years, their wedding coordinator and was a member of the Altar Guild and the Daughters of the King. Her nieces, Octavia, Emily, Ella, Ember and Willow, were the loves of her life and they shared many adventures. She treasured all of the time they spent together. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Leona Rodgers; brother, Kevin Rodgers; and her husband, Les. She is survived by her brother, Brian; sisters, Karen, Margaret, Diane and Kathryn; numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be at 10 am Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at St. James Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67208; Reformation Lutheran Church, 7601 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS, 67206. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10, 2018.

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4 Entries

Terry and Luree Anderson Lusk

June 10, 2018

Debbie and I shared the same date of birth which I found a connection of sorts. She and Jean taught our son when he was a preschooler at St. James and for some time his goal was to marry her when he was old enough You will always be missed. Thank you for your light. God's Peace wrap around those left to grieve.

Judy Montgomery Trimble

June 10, 2018

Debbie was so cheerful and it was always great seeing her at church. She will be greatly missed.

Aunt Jae

June 9, 2018

Wishing to express the kindest sympathies to the family. May the peace of the Christ rule in your hearts, especially during these difficult times.

Ron & Kalynn Blum

June 9, 2018

Debbie always had a smile and a warm welcome upon approaching her. She is a lady we admire, and she is missed. A deep hole in our lives and hearts. She will be remembered in days, months, years ahead.

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Funeral services provided by:

Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - East Wichita

6555 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67206-1924

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