Jean Marie Stephens

Jean Marie Stephens age 84, of Missouri Valley, Iowa passed away on Saturday June 3, 2017 at Longview Nursing Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Jean was born August 9, 1932 in Sheffield, England to William and Doris (Booth) Golland.

Jean came to the United States when she was almost 16 years old. Her mom, dad, and brother sold all of their belongings and came over on a ship after her sister Doris married an American soldier that had been stationed in England. They took a train once they were in the U.S. that took them to Loveland, Iowa, where Doris lived with her new husband.

Jean lived in England during World War II and remembered the bombings and the black outs and having to go in the bomb shelters. Jean was proud of her English heritage and had many relatives visit from England over the years. Jean was also able to return to England to visit and see family. Jean received her U.S. citizenship as well.

Jean married Fuzzy Sept. 3, 1951, and they were married 59 years at the time of Fuzzy’s passing. Jean was a hard worker, working as a waitress at Sunnyside Café, J.C. Penney’s, had a Nonpareil newspaper delivery route for 20 years, and helped Fuzzy run their landscaping business out of their home. Jean helped Fuzzy with a huge garden, canning and freezing vegetables. Jean also helped take care of her grandson, Jonathan, several days a week, while her daughter Cheryl worked. Jean was very dedicated to helping care for her daughter Gloria.

Over the years, Jean & Fuzzy owned a boat for a short time and enjoyed skiing and picnicing at Desoto Bend. They also enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing, and going to the Casino’s and made many trips to Las Vegas. They were able to travel with friends to many places in the U.S. Jean was part of a woman’s golf league winning many trophies she was proud of. Jean & Fuzzy enjoyed hosting annual 4th of July parties for family and friends that ended the evening with many laughs, and the burning of a dummy stuffed with fireworks representing Guy Fawkes, part of an English tradition her and her family concocted.

In 2010 when Fuzzy became ill, Cheryl got her mom a puppy, Benji, to help keep Jean company. Benji was her pride and joy, spoiling him, taking him with along with her wherever she could.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband Franklin (Fuzzy) Stephens, daughter Gloria Stephens, parents: William and Doris Golland, and sister Doris Berry.

Survivors include her daughter Cheryl Funk and husband Jim of Missouri Valley, Iowa, grandson Jonathan Weihs of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Faithful Pal and Companion, Benji, brother Tony Golland and wife Sharen of Council Bluffs, Iowa, nieces, nephews, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, cousins, uncles, and friends.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

The family invites everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the church following the committal service at the cemetery.

 

 

In Loving Memory Of

 

Jean Marie Stephens

 

Born

August 9, 1932                                  Sheffield, England

 

Entered Into Rest

June 3, 2017                                  Missouri Valley, Iowa

 

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2017

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

Missouri Valley, Iowa

 

Celebrant                      Father Raphael Masabakhwa

Organist                                                     Vicki Koenig

Vocalist                                                        Rick Powell

 

Musical Selection

“Let There Be Peace On Earth”       “On Eagles Wings”

“Be Not Afraid”                      “Wind Beneath My Wings”

“My Heart Will Go On”

 

Casket Bearers

Dennis Withem                                                    Jim Funk

Jonathan Weihs                                      Dominic Golland

David Stephens                                           Ray Wrinkle

 

Final Resting Place

Rose Hill Memorial Garden

Missouri Valley, Iowa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Roses Grow in Heaven

By Dolores M. Garcia

 

If roses grow in heaven,

Lord please pick a bunch for me,

Place them in my Mother’s arms

and tell her they’re from me.

 

Tell her I love her and miss her,

and when she turns to smile,

place a kiss upon her cheek

and hold her for awhile.

 

Because remembering her is easy,

I do it every day,

but there’s an ache within my heart

that will never go away.

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1 Condolence

  • Sally Weihs Posted June 10, 2017 7:37 pm

    Cheryl, so sorry to hear about your mom. I absolutely think she was such a special lady. I always loved visiting her when I would be at Geri and Joel’s. My deepest sympathy ,

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