Virginia Stephens' Obituary
Virginia Josephine Stephens, daughter of Charles Alsynus and Jewell Leona Sumpter Strahl, was born November 10, 1928, in Coldwater, Missouri. She departed this life Thursday, April 8, 2010, in St. John’s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-one years, four months, and twenty-eight days. On February 23, 1946, she was united in marriage to Henry Andrew Cain, who passed away on June 29, 1984. On January 5, 1957, she married Virgil Joe Stephens, who preceded her in death on March 29, 2005. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Darrell Joe Stephens; a step-son, James L. Stephens; a grandson, Michael R. Kmet; and an infant brother, Charles A. Strahl, Jr. Virginia is survived by a son, Charles M. Cain, and his wife, Toni, of Lynn Haven, Florida; two daughters, Judy Lee Cain Kmet, and her husband, Lawrence, of Villa Park, Illinois, and Lucille M. Stephens Gideon, and her husband, Timothy, Sr., of Hartville, Missouri; five grandchildren, Charles Cain, Jr., and his wife, Bethany, Michael A. Cain, and his wife, Angelina, Heather M. Kmet Burroughs, Timothy Gideon, Jr., and Geneva Joe Gideon; nine great-grandchildren; five step-children, Barbara Kohensky, and her husband, Robert, of Largo, Florida, Everett Stephens, and his wife, Donna, of Olney, Illinois, Daymon Stephens, and his wife, Etta, of Bluff Dale, Utah, Denver Stephens, and his wife Lilli Ann, of Sullivan, Indiana, and Donald Stephens, and his wife Gladys, of Mattoon, Illinois; a number of step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; a half brother, Dale Saunchegrow, and his wife, Kathy, of Dixon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was born and raised in Coldwater and St. Louis, Missouri, finishing her education at the Hogan Mulanphy School, in St. Louis, Missouri. After she and Henry were married, they made their home in the Fredericktown and Desloge area, and lovingly raised their family. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her family, Virginia also worked at various jobs including being a dietary server, candy factory worker, chicken and dairy farm worker, nurses’ aide, and working for the conservation department helping to remove thistles from farmer’s fields. After she and Virgil were married, they lived in the greater St. Louis area until moving to Lebanon soon after they retired. Virginia had professed her faith in Christ and followed the Missionary Baptist faith. Prior to moving to Lebanon, she and Virgil had been active in the Moose Lodge and the V.F.W. for several years, and she had been a member of a garden club. She enjoyed growing beautiful flowers and was particularly known for her irises. She had raised and sold tropical fish and mallard ducks, and had shown some of her ducks on various occasions. Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Virginia was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout the years. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday April 12, 2010 in the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon. Burial will be in the Marshfield Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until time of service under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the Alzheimers Foundation of Springfield, Missouri. Donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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