Mary Louise Stephens, 88, of Hemple, MO, entered her heavenly home on July 2, 2018.

She was born on September 18, 1929 to Nova Price and Lena (Anderson) Reed in Starfield, MO where she grew up and graduated from Plattsburg High School in 1947. 

 On June 28, 1947 she was united in marriage to Jesse Victor “J.V.” Stephens. After their marriage they farmed in the Hemple Community on the family farm where she lived for seventy-one years and four days. One of her life’s biggest joys was hosting the celebration for the Stephens Farm becoming a Missouri Century Farm in June of 2014. 

Mary also worked as a cook for the Gower Convalescent for seventeen years. 

 She was a member of the Hemple Community Church and in later years she joined Bethany Christian Church. Mary was also a longtime member of the Jolly Workers Club of Hemple and was a 4-H Leader. She enjoyed baking, working in her flower garden, watching birds and just being outdoors. Most of all, Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, parents, daughter Valerie D. Bruns, son-in-law; A.D. White, four brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her daughter Vickie White; son-in-law Rich Bruns; five grandchildren Jessica (Derek) Woods, Heather (Bryan) Schumacker, Kevin White, Chris (Laura) Helm, and Luke (Kim) Helm; great-grandchildren; Maddie, Lainey, Logan, Scout, Jocelyn, Rowan and Frankie Valerie; other relatives and many friends.

Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 5th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 6th at the funeral home.

Burial: Mt. Zion Cemetery

Donations to Bethany Christian Church or Mt. Zion Cemetery.