Marie Elizabeth Stephens

Marie Elizabeth Stephens, 87, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, June 16, 2014 at her residence. She was born January 18, 1927, in Taylor, Wisconsin, the daughter of Julius and Minnie (Trones) Lee. On August 16, 1947, she married her husband of 51 years, John Maurice Stephens, and he preceded her in death on May 29, 1999. Marie is survived by her daughters, Linda Hess and Wanda Stephens-Wooten, both of Shelbyville; her “adopted” daughter, Jane Shelton of Shelbyville; sisters, Myrtle Manders and Helen Meek, both of Mountain Home, Arkansas and Jeanette Vail of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; grandchildren, David Stephens and fiancé, Rhonda McQuinley, John Justice and wife, Angela, Joshua Wooten and fiancé, LaTosha VanDuyn, Jennifer Turner and Christopher Wooten; great-grandchildren, Dakota Northern, Matthew Justice, Anna Marie Turner, John Turner, Andrew Turner and Darrel Turner; sisters-in-law, RoseMary “Billie” Nolley and Martha Sue Stephens, both of Shelbyville; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Elvin Lee; and a sister, Albertine Schankey. Marie attended Black River Falls High School in Black River Falls, Wisconsin; she graduated from Waukegan High School in Waukegan, Illinois in 1946. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Greenfield. Marie was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, lifetime member, past secretary and treasurer; American Legion Auxiliary, past chaplain; Neemah Chapter 73 of Eastern Star, past worthy matron; and Murat Shrine Temple Auxiliary. Marie was a military wife for 26 years. During those years she worked for several different businesses, in clerical positions, retiring in 1970. She formerly bowled in several different leagues including Tuesday Morning Coffee League, Ladies Wednesday Night League and Sunday Night Mixed League. She enjoyed making noodles for the Eastern Star Dinners and selling poppies for the VFW. Marie also leaves behind her beloved dog, Ronnie. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville, with Eastern Star Ritual at 7:30 p.m. followed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2014 at the funeral home, with Pastor Larry Gember officiating. Interment will be at Miller Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Burn Hospital, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229.