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“So sorry to hear about the passing of Howie's mother. We send our deepest sympathy and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Elifrits...Read More »
1 of 21 | Posted by: Lisa Elifrits - Ft. Worth, TX

“So sorry to just read of the passing of Howard's mother. It sounds like she was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend to many. My thoughts and...Read More »
2 of 21 | Posted by: DIANA M COX - IOWA CITY, IA

“My family and I were at Danny Carlsons graduation when we last saw Lois. I will not forget before the graduation she spotted me and my family in the...Read More »
3 of 21 | Posted by: Rod fast - NE

“Martha, Craig, Alex, Rachel & Beth....we were deeply saddened to hear of Lois' passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most...Read More »
4 of 21 | Posted by: Pafford Family - Villisca, IA

“To the family of Lois ... I knew her through our church. She always had a warm smile for everyone. Truly a very nice person. She will be missed by...Read More »
5 of 21 | Posted by: Joan Archer - Clarinda, IA

“I'm so sorry for your loss. Even though I had only met Lois on two occasions, I feel like through the eyes of her grandaughter I too know how...Read More »
6 of 21 | Posted by: Sandy Spencer - Albia, IA

“Prayers for the family! Remember Lois from Circle J Cafe and school functions for the kids. Was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed! ”
7 of 21 | Posted by: Teresa Simmons Lint - Bedford, IA

“We want to send our sincere sympathy to Carl and all of Lois's family on her passing . She will be missed by many. ”
8 of 21 | Posted by: Richard & Deanna Warneke - IA

“I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I know that she was a great lady from the wonderful stories that Martha would share. I have been thinking about...Read More »
9 of 21 | Posted by: Patty Lischer - Bedford, IA

“We were so sad to hear of Lois’ passing. Our sincere condolences go out to Uncle Carl, Uncle Tom, and cousin’s Howard, Marc, Marie, Martha, and...Read More »
10 of 21 | Posted by: Glen & Anne Slater - Clay Center, NE

“So sorry to hear about Lois, please know we are thinking of you.. ”
11 of 21 | Posted by: Gary and Patty McKay - Grinnelll, IA

Carl Stephens, Landi McFarland, and Lois Stephens at the 2012 Page County Cattlemen's Banquet “I will always remember Lois coming with Carl to our bull sale and coming to pick up the bulls they purchased at our farm. Carl and Lois were such a...Read More »
12 of 21 | Posted by: Landi McFarland - Ellston, IA

“I am so shockedaymt the sudden death of Lois. My prayers and thoughts go out to you, Carl, and all your family. Lois was such a central part of our...Read More »
13 of 21 | Posted by: jufy Stephens-Wilson - cousin

“Leave a condolence or a memory. ”
14 of 21 | Posted by: Judith Stephens-Wulsin - IA

“What a great lady!! Hosted some great slumber parties over the years!! My prayers to Carl and all the kids. Now she can share a good laugh with...Read More »
15 of 21 | Posted by: Vonda Renfrow - Pleasantville, IA

“We send our love and prayers to all of your family at this difficult time.May your memories comfort you at this time. Ed and Nora Herzberg ”
16 of 21 | Posted by: Ed and Nora Herzberg - emerson, IA

“We wish to extend our sincere condolences during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of each other...Read More »
17 of 21 | Posted by: Larry and Mary Herzberg - Omaha, NE

“Our sympathy is sent to you Carl and to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Tommy @ Judy Graham ”
18 of 21 | Posted by: Tommy @Judy Graham - Essex, IA

“Carl, Howard, Martha, and family, I am so sorry to hear of Lois' passing. I just seen her a few days ago and she was all smiles. I asked her if...Read More »
19 of 21 | Posted by: Corrinna Bix - Clarinda, IA

“My heart has been very sad upon hearing of Lois's passing. She was such a kind and beautiful soul. Every time I would run into her, Lois always had...Read More »
20 of 21 | Posted by: Nancy Grant

“Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. She was a wonderful lady. ”
21 of 21 | Posted by: Jeremy & Linda Wheeler - Gravity, IA


Funeral services for Lois Stephens, age 86, of rural Villisca, Iowa, who entered into peace Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa, will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 31, 2012, at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Gordon Scott and Reverend Beckie Linn Gregory officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the funeral home. Burial will be private at a later date at the Villisca Cemetery, Villisca, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Villisca Fire and Rescue or to the donor's choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Lois Evelyn Beavers was born November 18, 1925, on the family farm south of Villisca, Iowa, the first child of Anna Ruth (Adkins) and Walter L. Beavers. Lois passed away on May 24, 2012, in Clarinda, Iowa. Lois attended Sams Country School and graduated from Villisca Community High School in 1943. She attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in Maryville, Missouri in 1946 with a Bachelors degree in elementary education.

After teaching Kindergarten for two years in Keokuk, IA, Lois married Carl Stephens in rural Bedford, Iowa, on June 6, 1948. To this union six children were born: Marie, Howard, Marc, Cecil, Martha, and Mary. Lois was a dedicated wife, farm partner, and mother. Lois enjoyed collecting stamps, scrap booking, camping, gardening, canning, sewing and quilting. She made many quilts and blankets for her family and friends. Lois enjoyed her family, researching and gathering family history, attending many reunions, and family activities.

Lois was an active member of the First Christian Church, Clarinda, Iowa, and CWF. Lois was a member of DAR, Eastern Star, Farm Bureau, and a 4-H volunteer and leader for many years. She was Farm Bureau Homemaker of the Year in 1968.

Lois is survived by husband of almost 64 years, Carl and children: Marie (Doug) Weddle of Villisca, IA; Howard (Janelle) Stephens of Ames, IA; Marc (Carrie) Stephens of Kingwood, TX; Martha (Craig) Herzberg of Villisca, IA; Mary (Brian) Carlson of Red Oak, IA; Grandchildren: Bill Waldron, Chris Gregory, Angie Waldron, Steve Waldron, Eric Waldron, Traci Haselhuhn, David Stephens, Emily Spencer, Samantha Stephens, Shana Brown, Alex Herzberg, Rachel Herzberg, Elizabeth Herzberg, Jackie Carlson, Danny Carlson, Nick Carlson, and Katie Carlson; Great-grandchildren: Aiden, Owen, Liam and Faith Gregory, Trust Marshall, Connor and Mason Gellender, Nathan and Brooke Brown, Tyler and Hannah Haselhuhn, Kelsey Stephens, and baby Spencer; sister Arlene Slater of Harvard, NE; brother Tom (Pat) Beavers of Shenandoah, IA; sister-in-law Ruby (Rube) Turner, Hopkins, MO; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Preceding Lois in death were her parents, Walter and Ruth (Adkins) Beavers; sister, Virginia (Beavers) Slater; son, Cecil Lee Stephens; brothers-in-law, Roland Slater, Don Slater, Ed Herzberg; sister-in-law, Frances (Stephens) Herzberg.

Lois will be missed by many.
May God grant comfort to those who mourn her passing.