Wilma I Stephens

Graveside Services for Wilma I. (Dietz) Stephens will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Orleans Cemetery in Orleans, Nebraska with Reverend Thalia Woodworth officiating.

Wilma Ilene (Dietz) Stephens, 89 years of age, of Stamford, Nebraska, departed this life on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at the Beaver City Manor in Beaver City, Nebraska. Wilma was born April 21, 1929, in rural Orleans, the fourth of five children born to Fredrick and Lena (Smith) Dietz.  She grew up on the family farm, southeast of Stamford and received her education through the 8 ^th grade at District #54 in Harlan County and then completed one year at Orleans High School. She always liked school and was very proud to earn her G.E.D. in 1986.

On August 11, 1948, she was united in marriage to Charles Leroy Stephens at the Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Nebraska and to this union they were blessed with three children: Fred, Lee and Susan.  After renting several farms, they settled in on the farm southeast of Stamford around 1952, where Wilma was a full partner in farming, milking cows and raising the family. In later years, Wilma also waitressed at Bugbee's Cafe, and was a custodian at the Harlan County Courthouse. On January 24, 1983, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles.

In her retirement, Wilma helped with the Stamford Newsletter, enjoyed visiting with friends, and loved spending time with her family; cherishing the memories made with all her children, and their families. She was confirmed and was a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stamford. She also was a member of the Neighborly Neighbors Extension Club and was involved in a neighborhood Bible Study.

Besides her parents, and husband; she was preceded in death by one son, Fred Stephens in 2000; sister, Louella Whetham; three brothers: Lloyd Dietz; Marvin Dietz; and Buddy Dietz.

Wilma leaves to celebrate her life; one son, Lee Stephens and his wife, Raylene of Stamford; one daughter, Susan Foster and her husband, James of Hillsdale, Wyoming; three grandchildren: Chad Stephens and his wife, Lana of Orleans, Amy Russell and her husband, Anthony of Stamford, and Justin Foster and his wife, Jennifer of Bellvue, Colorado; nine great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; one great-great granddaughter; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma.

A memorial has been established in Wilma's honor, and is kindly suggested to the Stamford Newsletter or the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stamford.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.