Sunday, June 22, 2014

Obituary -- Margaret Loren Stephens 1919-2014

Margaret Loren Stephens, age 94, died peacefully on April 15, 2014 at her home in Anthem , AZ.

Margaret was born on December 5, 1919 in Grant City, MO.  She was the daughter of Charles Loren McLaughlin and Zelma Dixson (Morgan) McLaughlin.  She was united in marriage to Raymond L. Stephens in 1944.  To this union were born two children:  Charles R. Stephens of Albuquerque, NM and Dixie Jo Lineberger of Anthem,  AZ.  She was a Graduate of Grant City High School and Northwest Missouri State Teachers College.  She taught Business Education in Grant City from 1956-1966 and in St. Charles,  MO from 1966-1984.  She retired to Southern California in 1985 and spent the last years of her life in suburban Phoenix, AZ.

Margaret was an active member in the PEO Sisterhood and United Methodist Churches in Grant City, MO , St Charles, MO and Escondido, CA.  In retirement she traveled extensively to destinations that included Europe, China, Australia, Canada, Hawaii and Alaska.  Her hobbies were needlework, music and bridge.  She was an active member in church choirs for many years.

Her husband Raymond, her brother, Chase M. McLaughlin, a brother-in-law, R.V.Humphrey and a Great-Granddaughter Maya Montes de Oca, preceded her in death.

Her son Chuck and his wife Diana, her daughter Dixie Jo and her husband Carl, her sister Billie Fern Humphrey, her sister-in-law Doris M. McLaughlin, survive her.  Two grandchildren, Carey Gail Smith and husband Kyle of Brookfield, MO and Megan Montes de Oca and husband Juan Bernardo of Chula Vista, CA.  Five Great Grandchildren, Kaley Gail Smith, Valentina, Emilia, Carmela and Luisa Montes de Oca and  numerous friends and relatives also survive her. 

Margaret had a wonderful balance of authority and tolerance, which was her classroom strength and demeanor.  One might imagine a conversation along these lines…”We have been waiting for an excellent teacher of Business Law as we are deficit in that area.  Here is a list of what we want you to cover.” “Well, your list is all very nice, but are you going to teach this course or am I?”

Margaret loved her family and her church, her many friends and a good joke.  We will miss her great personality and wonderful laugh.  She touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all.


A memorial celebration will be held on Friday, June 27 at 2pm at Meyers Funeral Chapel in Parkville, MO.  A graveside inurnment service will be held on Saturday, June 28 at 1pm at the Grant City Cemetery, under the direction of the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home. 

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