Melva C. Stephens

Melva C. Stephens, age 75, of Council Bluffs passed away May 26, 2016 at Hospice with Heart Hospice House in Glenwood. She was born on July 10, 1940 in Pampa, TX to the late Melvin and Mabel (Ward) Turner. Melva Christine Stephens was a beautiful woman with a heart full of love, spirituality, strength, and happiness. No matter what she was going through, no matter what mood she was in, she never failed to smile. Melva was born to Melvin and Mabel (Ward) Turner on July 10, 1940 in Pampa, Texas. She grew up in Big Spring and Pampa, Texas where she graduated from Big Spring Senior High School in 1958. She met William Stephens while she was in nursing school in Abilene, Texas, and married him on October 24, 1959. They moved to Iowa shortly after being married where they had four beautiful children: Valerie, Michael Todd, Gayla, and Darla. They lived in Treynor, Iowa, where they raised their children, for 33 years. Once their children were grown and they had many grandchildren, they moved to Sun Valley Lake in Iowa; this is where they enjoyed activities on the lake such as boating, swimming, tubing, and fishing. Six years later, Bill and Melva made their final move to Council Bluffs to be closer to family. Melva always enjoyed entertaining her many family and friends. Dancing (clogging and polka), reading, crocheting, and sewing were many of her hobbies, along with always being where the action was! Melva had said that the best time in my life was having you kids. She enjoyed it when all the kids were young and growing up at home where there was so much fun and laughter. Looking down on us all today, Melva would be saying- dont weep for me, for I will be forever in your hearts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sister, Kim Lisa Ward; son, Michael Todd Stephens; and grandson, Jacob Phelps. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, William Bill Stephens; daughters, Valerie Phelps, Gayla (Mark) Drown, and Darla Guinzy; 14 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sisters, Sue (Don) Dye and Terrell (Stan) Becker; extended family and friends. Funeral service Saturday, 11 a.m., with visitation the hour prior all at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Burial in Macedonia Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.