Marilyn Stephens

Marilyn Stephens 86, of DeKalb died Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.  She was born July 2, 1931 in Aurora, IL and was the daughter of Charles and Bertha (Carlson) Snyder.

She married Thomas P. Stephens on March 29, 1952 in Aurora, IL, he preceded her in death on October 8, 2017.

She had degrees from NIU, DePaul University, University of Wisconsin in Racine and Drake University in Des Moines.  She was an elementary school teacher for the Belvidere School District for 24 years.

Marilyn was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb.  She enjoyed playing the piano in the church and at home.  She was a volunteer at Kishwaukee Hospital.  She enjoyed singing in the church choir, continuing her education, walking outdoors and at the YMCA.  Marilyn loved family functions and loved to read to neighborhood children before she had grandchildren of her own.

Survivors include; three children; Robert Lewis Stephens of Costa Rica, Kathryn Ann Thompson of DeKalb and William Charles Stephens of DeKalb.  Grandchildren; Brandon Mark (Amanda) Thompson of DeKalb, Zachary Paul Wollensak of DeKalb, and Shelly Marie Stephens of Hanover Park, IL.  Great Grandchildren; Noah Dier-Zimmel, Jacob Mark Thompson, Lucas Patrick Thompson, Kaylin Jade Van Orden, and Ronin Alexander Van Orden.   Brother; Charles (Elaine) Snyder of Sacramento, CA and sister; Marge Thalman of Sacramento, CA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Thomas and brother and sister-in-law; Harold (Barbara) Snyder.

Memorial service will be held Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 2:00pm at First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb with Rev. Joseph Gastiger and Rev. Judy Harris officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 1:00pm until the time of service.  Burial will be held on Monday, January 8, 2018 at 10:00am at Oakwood Township Cemetery in DeKalb.  Memorials can be made to the DeKalb County Nursing Home (Alzheimer's Wing).  The family would like to thank the staff in the Alzheimer's Wing of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center for making their parents lives so special for the time they spent there.  Cremation will be handled by Finch Crematory.  Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.