Obituary

Eleanor Ruth Stephens was born on October 9, 1921, in Seward to William H. and Freda (Ohlschwager) Bick and passed away on January 23, 2018, in Seward at the age of 96 years, 3 months and 14 days. She was baptized on April 23, 1922. The family lived near Staplehurst where she attended country school. She later received her GED from York Public High School.

On June 8, 1941, Eleanor was united in marriage to Alvin Wood. To this union one daughter was born, Shirley Lou. On November 23, 1963, she was united in marriage to Earl Stephens in Sioux City. They lived on a farm near Goehner until April 1973 when they moved to Seward. She continued to enjoy gardening and making quilts at home and working at cafes for another 20 years before retiring. Eleanor also sold Avon cosmetics for several years. Eleanor helped at church with secretary work and quilting for many years. She was a member of the Seward United Methodist Church, Seward United Methodist Women and Order of Eastern Star.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl Stephens in 2011; sister, Edna and husband Lawrence Bye; great grandchildren, Thomas and Chelsea Ihde and Gracie Benedict.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Roger Ihde; step daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Tom Ruhnke of Lincoln; step son, Wesley Stephens, Seward; four grandchildren and spouses, David and Jody Novak, Dale and Sandy Novak, Herb Ihde, Don and Donna Diekmann; five step grandchildren, Noel and Matthew Pycior, Erin and Chad Eikenhorst, Jason and Jamie Stephens, Jessica and Brian Crogg and Andrew and Dana Matzner; 25 great grandchildren; five great, great grandchildren. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of life shared with Eleanor.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eleanor R. Stephens, please visit our flower store.

Services

Visitation

January

28

Zabka Funeral Home

410 Jackson Ave, Seward, NE 68434

1:00 - 8:30 pm

Family Receiving Friends

January

28

Zabka Funeral Home

410 Jackson Ave, Seward, NE 68434

6:30 - 8:00 pm

Funeral Service

January

29

Seward United Methodist Church

1400 North 5th Street, Seward, NE 68434

Starts at 10:30 am

Graveside Services and Interment

Seward Cemetery

1700 State Highway 15, Seward, NE 68434

Share Eleanor R. Stephens's obituary with others.

Stay updated

Share this obituary with others

Print

Obituary

Services

Eleanor R. Stephens's Guestbook