Marjorie Jean Stephens
February 24, 2011
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Service Details
Marjorie (Marge) Jean Stephens (nee Delk) passed away to be with her Lord on February 24, 2011. She was born on April 3, 1928 to Charles and Bernice Delk in Leon, Iowa. She grew up in Weldon, Iowa and eventually moved to Des Moines where she graduated from North High School in 1945. She met Shelby Stephens, her forever love, on a blind date arranged by her sister, Virginia. She and Shelby were married 64 wonderful years.
After years of rearing her children, she worked at the Highland Park Shopper. Upon retirement, she volunteered with Iowa Radio Reading Information Service (IRIS) where she read to the blind over the radio. She was given the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for her work.
She was a devoted member of Epworth United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She served on many committees and in many capacities at the church. She will be missed by her many friends from the church.
She will be greatly missed by her family: husband, Shelby Stephens; son, Bruce Stephens (Susan); daughter, Phyllis Stephens (Steve Hilbert); her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jeff Stephens, Jordan Stephens, Jaimie Stephens; Andrew Tice (Mary), Olivia, William and Caroline; Chandler Tice (Katie), Quinn, Mia, and Oliver; Roger Hudson (Sheila), Mary and Abigail; Kristin Goldman (Rob), Annabel, Gabrielle; Heather Tragresser (Joe), Luke and Ember; brothers, Dick Delk (Joyce), Ed Delk (Barbara), Jim Delk (Grace); as well as family members, Parker Willson and Carol Delk; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Stephens; brothers, Warren Delk (Ruth) and Bob Delk; sisters, Bernice Delk, Virginia Lyons (Everett), Mary Willson; and daughter-in-law, Glady Stephens.
The family will greet visitors from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, February 27, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m., Monday, February 28, 2011, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 412 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, with inurnment to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church in loving memory of Marjorie.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Marilyn Von Ahsen
04/27/2011
Dear Shelby, Bruce, Phyllis and families,
I am so sorry to learn about Marge passing away. She was such a special lady, I am grateful I got to know her at IRIS. She brought joy with her every time she came in to read, and she came in whenever we needed her! We shared many grandma bragging moments. I have missed our visits since I moved away, and so can only imagine how very much you will miss her.
Linda Cordts (Swenson)
03/08/2011
Bruce and Phyllis,
I am sorry this has taken so long to write. I was trying to get an address or email but I have mostly gotten the updates through our cousin Dennis and aunt Bev. I have not talked to either of you in so many years. I had been in contact with your mother before she got sick and she kept me updated on your father. I hope he is doing well under the circumstances. I plan on being in Des Moines in the beginning of August and hope to make a visit to see him. I think Dennis is planning on meeting me there as well. I would love to see or hear from either of you.
Your mother was a special lady and was always kind to me. I know how she struggled with her Lupus but seemed to keep on going despite her aches and pains. I will continue to remember what a wonderful person she was. Please accept my sympathy and condolences.
Your cousin,
Linda
Ron and Karen Liljedahl
02/28/2011
We were surprised and saddened to hear about Marge's passing. We are Stephanie's parents and loved seeing Marge and Shelby at all of Jordan and Jaimie's birthday parties through the years. She was always very kind and welcoming to us. We knew her well enough to say she was a very special person. She always gave of herself to others and always had a smile. I know she was a woman of faith and is very happy where she is now. I'm sure she will be missed by you all. Our heartfelt sympathy is with you all.
Tom Bowen
02/27/2011
I was saddened to see Marge's obituary. I worked with her at the Metro Shopper in the early 1980's. She was always kind and helpful. And had a smile that could light up the room. My condolences on your loss.
Jack & Judy Swenson
02/27/2011
We are so sorry to hear of your Loss, She is in Gods hands now and without any pain or suffering. Sorry we couldn't make the funeral but our thoughts are always with you in this time of loss.
Marty Gerrietts
02/26/2011
Marge was a rare person. No one who knew her could ever doubt her truehearted goodness. Her faith, work, generosity, steadfast love, kindness, and thoughtfulness create a legacy that is beyond riches. She was nobody's fool, but everyone's friend. How lucky we all are to have known her.
I remember trying to plan a dinner at church. Marge stopped me in the parking lot and asked what she could do to help. I said, "I really hate doing relish trays..." Marge said, "So do I." She baked a cake and I made potato salad. Ron Prescott got stuck with relish trays.
Wishing you all the best of memories.
Marty Gerrietts
Sharon Raymond Quick
02/26/2011
Dear Shelby, Bruce and Phyllis,
I'm so sorry to hear about Marge's death. Marge and Shelby were my mom and dad's best friends for close to 60 years, and Marge has visited my mother regularly for years even though it was very difficult. She was a devoted friend, and she was kind enough to keep in touch with me with encouraging e-mails about their visits and to talk about what was going on in her and Shelby's lives and about her wonderful kids and grandkids. She was so very proud of you all. I will miss hearing from her.
May God bless you and your family with the peace and comfort of knowing that your loved one is with her heavenly father; no pain or worries, only joy, peace and love forever.