Obituary
Reta Mae Stephenson, born on May 27, 1935, in Burlington, Kansas to Irene (Baker) Stutesman and George Stutesman, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family.
Reta is survived by her five daughters: Pamela Zelimir, Janet Denton, Debra Thomas, Patricia Maher, and Vicky Skinner. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Michael McLean, Megan McLean, Gary Gonzalez, Holley Maher, Richard Maher Jr., Josephine Skinner, Victoria Skinner, Dominick Skinner, and Taylor Swinnea, as well as her beloved great-grandchildren: Aiden McLean, Colin McLean, Stella McLean, Cecilia Gilfoil, Isaac Gilfoil, Malcolm Gonzalez, and Alice Gonzalez. She is preceded in death by her husband, Holley Stephenson, and her sisters, Donna Collins and Mary Lou Miller.
Reta was a devoted wife and partner to Holley Stephenson for more than 50 years. She was a loving Mother of five girls, and she was a successful corporate executive. Reta moved to Peace Valley, MO as a young girl, attending Peace Valley schools and later West Plains High School. Reta enjoyed a successful accounting career at Missouri Pacific Railroad in St. Louis. During the Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific merger, she was selected to lead their accounting platform transformation, requiring her to relocate to Omaha, NE as the regional accounting supervisor. She was publicly recognized for her leadership and the significant contribution she made consolidating the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific Accounting departments during that corporate merger. She retired from Union Pacific Railroad in 1989 and returned to her roots in West Plains, MO.
Reta’s passion for gardening and talents as a master-quilter are well-known. She was an active member of the West Plains Garden Club and contributed significantly to her community, serving on the West Plains Park Commission Planning Committee, where she helped expand the public park and pool to meet the needs of a growing population. A plaque exists there today, recognizing this important contribution. Reta was also a talented and accomplished vocalist and musician, performing in multiple bands as a country singer and guitarist alongside her husband, Holley Stephenson.
Plans are underway for a celebration of life this Fall in West Plains, MO. Details will be shared at a later time.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks, particularly to Sharon and Cory Bassham, Shawn Peterson, our Miller cousins, Carol Denning; Donna Gilliam; Tammy Honeycutt; and Sheila Moore, for your involvement, support, and love for Reta during this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cristos House, P.O. Box 771, West Plains, MO 65775. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family on behalf of Debi Thomas, 13780 SE 42nd Avenue, Summerfield, FL 34491.
Reta’s legacy of love, dedication, and community service will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
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