Roberta "Bertie" Eileen Stephens

Roberta "Bertie" Eileen Stephens, 73, of Martinsville, IL, died on March 1, 2026, in the comfort of her home.

Bertie was born on October 16, 1952, in Robinson, IL, to Warren Elliott and Maxine (VanArsdalen) Elliott Fleek. She grew up in Martinsville and was a proud graduate of the Class of 1970 at Martinsville High School. On December 23, 1972, she married Martin Stephens, and together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and community. In those years, she helped care for calves and sheep, and that season of life only deepened her love for the outdoors and the simple rhythms of country living.

For 35 years, Bertie served as a school bus driver for Hutsonville School. She loved the children she transported each day, caring for them as if they were her own. Many students and families came to know her not simply as a bus driver but as a steady, smiling presence who began and ended their school days with kindness.

In her younger years, Bertie enjoyed sewing, quilting, and leather crafting, creating things that reflected both her talent and her love for the people around her. She treasured spending time with friends and neighbors and, most of all, being with her children and grandchildren. She found her greatest joy in simply being together.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Martin Stephens; her son & daughter-in-law, Dustin & Suzette Stephens; her grandchildren, Maverick Wright and Aurora Stephens; her daughter-in-law, Marta Darline Stephens-Robinson; her aunt, Barbara Pleasant; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren Elliott and Maxine (VanArsdalen) Elliott Fleek; her son, Rodney Stephens; and her brothers, Ron Elliott, Richard "Buck" Elliott, and Randy Elliott.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6th, at Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. Funeral services will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Bille Ray Ulrey officiating. Cremation will follow with a private family graveside service held at a later date at the Partlow Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association, with envelopes available at the funeral home.