Helen Stephens

Helen Mae Stephens, age 96, passed away on July 30, 2022, due to the accumulated infirmities of advanced age.

Helen Stephens was born in Goessel, Kansas, on October 29, 1925, to farmers Theodore and Mary Schmidt.  She was the first born of five children, to be followed by Wilbert, Mildred, Donald, and Esther.  She was raised on the family farm.

As a young adult, she took some college, and taught in an elementary school.  She married George Merrill Stephens, also a child of Kansas farmers, in 1952, and their first child, Charles Michael, was born in 1953.  They then moved to the Denver, Colorado area, where George started an auto repair business with his elder brother Chuck.

Helen gave birth to three daughters, Mary Lynn in 1954, Kathleen Sue in 1957, and Lori Ann in 1960.  While the children were young, Helen was a devoted housewife.  When the children became older, she re-entered the work force as a retail clerk for local department stores and grocery stores.

Husband George passed away in 2001.  As a widow, Helen enjoyed good health up until the last couple of years.  She enjoyed crocheting blankets for donations to women’s shelters.  She enjoyed gardening and reading.

Helen is survived by her children, Charles (Vicki) Stephens, Mary Stephens, Kathy (Hal) Jennings, and Lori (Jim Ferrari) Stephens, her grandson Joshua (Ashley), and great-grandchildren Blake, Tori, and Coraline.  Also surviving are Helen’s siblings Mildred, Donald (Elaine), and Esther (Ed).

Rest in peace, Mom, we will miss you greatly.