Ellene Stephens

Rose Ellene Stephens, age 77, of Lamar, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Truman Healthcare Center.      Ellene was born October 23, 1934, in Barton County, Missouri, to Clayte and Lula Rose (Prine) Onstott.  She graduated from Jasper High School in 1952.  Ellene first worked at Chastain's Nursing Home, then in the physical therapy department at Barton County Memorial Hospital and later, the Truman Birthplace.  Many will remember her as their Avon or Tupperware representative.  She was a member of Bethel Church.      On October 24, 1952, at Bentonville, Arkansas, Ellene married Don Stephens and this union was blessed by two sons, Michael and Corky; a daughter, Debbie; and two grandsons they raised, Robert and Kevin Brown. Ellene and Don had celebrated nearly 42 years together before his death October 7, 1994.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Michael Stephens; and a son-in-law, Pat Long.      Survivors include her son, Corky & Pam Stephens, Golden City, her daughter, Debbie Long, Lawrence, Kansas; a daughter-in-law, Freda & husband Randy Epperson, Springfield; a brother, Max "Butch" & Sharon Prine, Lamar; nine grandchildren, Robert & wife Jennifer, Kevin & wife Robin, Amber, Tara, April & husband Matt, Eric, Randy & wife Alicia, Scott & wife Dawn, and Lori; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.      Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Daniel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday.  Burial will be in Killey Cemetery.      Memorial contributions are suggested to The Crohn's Foundation or American Heart Association in care of Daniel Funeral Home.