ForeverMissed
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Irene Stephens, July 3, 1920-July 9, 2015 – Irene Stephens passed away unexpectedly six days after joyfully celebrating her 95th birthday with her family in Corvallis. 

Irene was a radiant, loving, courageous, and deeply spiritual person treasured by her family and her many friends.  She was extremely gifted in her hobby of colored pencil artistry and won numerous blue ribbons for her lovely knitted and crocheted clothing and baby blankets.  Irene was a kind and giving person, knitting gifts for new babies and cancer patients.  She was a longtime member of LBCC’s Write Your Life Story class and completed four memoirs detailing each phase of her life, including fascinating stories of growing up in Montana in the 1920s and 1930s.  She was eager to learn anything new and was adept at using her computer to keep in touch with friends and family. 

All who knew Irene were inspired by her loving concern for others and appreciation of nature’s beauty, awed by her detailed memory, and warmed by her infectious laugh.  Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Webb, her parents Clifford and Opal Marsh, her siblings Bill, Bob, and Merle Marsh and Adeline Dotson, and her granddaughter Leah.  She is survived by her sons Wayne, Jan, and Dean (Pam), her grandchildren Laura (Mark), North (Heather), Lauren (Brent), Sean, Clay, and Caleb, her great grandchildren Tyler and Tiana, and her great great grandchildren Bryce and Bentley.  Irene will also be sorely missed by her beloved sister-in-law Dianne Marsh and several close nieces and nephews.  Irene made lifelong friends wherever she went.  We were blessed to have her in our lives. A small family celebration of life will be held at a later time.  We invite you to share your happy memories of Irene here or on her Facebook.

 

July 4, 2019
July 4, 2019
Al and I always remember Irene with love and fondess..such a beautiful soul..she will always be missed.
July 3, 2019
July 3, 2019
Laughing was a. Big part of our conversation.. Really miss that part of our relationship.
July 3, 2019
July 3, 2019
Since having a stoke I really miss talking with Irene. She always had the right answer. Really miss talking to her. RiP.
July 5, 2016
July 5, 2016
Irene is and always will be my mentor and spiritual guide. Every time i am great full I hear her and feel her in my core. What a blessing to have had her in my life for 52 years.
October 8, 2015
October 8, 2015
My husband met Irene at colored pencil art class, we grew to love her very much. I love to send baked goodies for her and other classmates.
We will truly miss her beautiful smile and loving smile...she was always a beautiful person. Al and Terry
August 10, 2015
August 10, 2015
Aunt Irene, I couldn't believe the news that you had gone. We emailed only a week earlier and you were your usual funny self. I miss you so much. 

As a 60-something, I observed some people older than me specifically to figure out what NOT to do as I aged. But you I watched to know what TO do well: laugh easily and often; never stop learning something new; be kind and be social; keep up with current events and young people; keep your mind open; always have a creative project in hand; eat well; have friends from different generations; and learn how to use social media!

I send my condolences to your family members who are probably trying to figure out how to live in a world with you no longer in it. I know I am. Love you, Elnora
August 9, 2015
August 9, 2015
Irene was a beloved member of our Life Story class. I am the teacher. Her stories were wonderfully written. We all loved her insight, wisdom and warmth. She was so vital and upbeat- full of compassion and welcoming to all the class. I loved her e-mails and her dedicated concern for others. We will miss her very much. So bright and talented. Her family were so lucky to have her in their lives as were we.
July 28, 2015
July 28, 2015
Irene was my ex mother-inlaw . But more than that , she was my mentor, my teacher and guide to Higher Power. She will always remain in my soul. So creative and giving. She walked the walk. I love you Irene.
July 22, 2015
July 22, 2015
Irene's obituary was an accurate description of the wonderful, unique person we all enjoyed. She had such a sense of humor, such a lust for life, such a variety of talents. Irene was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was 95 years young, and I will miss her so very much. She was my dear friend.
July 21, 2015
July 21, 2015
Irene was a delightful woman. I was in the colored-pencil art class for just a year with her. She knew my name after the first term and would greet me by name wherever she saw me around town. She was warm, thoughtful, and encouraging. She will be missed.
July 17, 2015
July 17, 2015
So inspiring that Irene was able to live so fully until the end and to celebrate her 95 years on earth with her family. She truly had a gift for appreciating life. I send my thoughts to the family; I know how much you will all miss her
July 17, 2015
July 17, 2015
I was so sorry to hear about Irene's death. But how wonderful that she was able to celebrate her 95th birthday with family in good health and spirits. I enjoyed hanging out with Irene the few times that I did over the years. I always found her engaged and interested in all that was around her. I admired her ability to continue to move forward, always curious and always learning. My best wishes to the family in this difficult time.

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Recent Tributes
July 4, 2019
July 4, 2019
Al and I always remember Irene with love and fondess..such a beautiful soul..she will always be missed.
July 3, 2019
July 3, 2019
Laughing was a. Big part of our conversation.. Really miss that part of our relationship.
July 3, 2019
July 3, 2019
Since having a stoke I really miss talking with Irene. She always had the right answer. Really miss talking to her. RiP.
Recent stories

Wonderful reminders of life in Montana

July 19, 2015

This isn't from Laura.  It's from Lynita, but Laura was logged onto the computer when I sat down.  Sorry.  
Being an "in-law" I didn't get to visit with Irene very much, but the moments were precious.  Irene reminded me so much of my Dad and his brothers who also grew up in Montana at about the same time.  Her stories of school, social life and work when she was younger were all an adventure into the past for me.  I still thank her for that.
In addition her lessons in patience and quietness and goodness were a welcome change from the quick response life we all seem to lead.   
I'm sure the rest of the universe is still enjoying Irene.  Thank you for sharing her with me. 

My mothers Journal

July 18, 2015

Sunday morning 7/30/11

Thank you thank you for my life.  I am so blessed.  How I get to live & be & love-- to keep growing to keep returning to my inner god -- to live in the now and enjoy every moment of it --to find ways to share the love and caring that comes through me,  Just be & let it radiate out into the world-- the way will happen without input from me as I go to move about in my life.  So many opportunities just come everywhere at anytime without any planning or any expectations just knowing that my inner god is always there always available at the turn of a thought-- surrender and give over and let God and let the joy come through and out everywhere all the time every place---

An Extraordinary Grandma

July 18, 2015

Last weekend my Grandmother Irene Stephens passed away suddenly without warning, at the age of 95. She was born in 1920! We celebrated her birthday only a few days ago. She was self-sufficient until the very end -- cooked her own meals, did her own shopping, drove her car...and passed quickly in her own home. She was a great artist and writer, having practiced drawing and other arts for 30+ years. She learned how to use a computer and was a regular Facebook user!

But more importantly, she was a deeply spiritual and inspiring person. She lived the life of a Bodhisattva, an enlightened being. She was unafraid of death, was gracious, loving and compassionate to all without judgment, and effortlessly saw the positive in all people and things. No matter what happened in her life, even things like cancer, she embraced it! She never studied Zen a day in her life but she lived the principles far better than I do after years of study.

No one can be surprised when a 95 year old woman passes on. But I am surprised by how much I miss her. I love you Grandma.

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