Ronald Stephens

Ron was born on December 19, 1939 in Barnard, MO to William Lloyd and Alma Fern Stephens. He was raised on his family farm near Quitman, MO and graduated from Quitman High School in 1957. After beginning a career at Hallmark Cards in 1959, Ron married Rosemary “Rosie” Haines in 1960. The couple had three children, Carla, Kevin and Kenneth, and eight grandchildren, and enjoyed 65 years of marriage filled with the love of family get togethers, lake weekends, softball coaching, kids’ and grandkids’ activities, and summer camping trips to Colorado & beyond.

Ron was a born mechanic who loved cars. He rarely encountered an ailing vehicle he couldn’t fix. He was an accomplished skier (water and snow), and a late-blooming golf fanatic who could regularly be found at a course for most of the last 25 years. He enjoyed seeing this country the old-fashioned way – by driving through it. After retirement, he and Rosie put many happy miles on the road to everywhere. Ron was a champion for those in need. He loved a challenge and would say, “That ain’t no step for a stepper,” as he figured out how to help. He was open-hearted, self-assured (and sometimes stubborn) and could tell you a story you might have heard before, but he’d make it seem like it was brand new. If he wanted you home, you could hear his whistle from a mile away and you came running. He was friendly, formidable, and genuine, and he will be missed.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, William Lloyd and Alma Fern Stephens, sisters Norma McCall and Carol Davis, sister-in-law, Donna Swaney and brothers-in-law, Don Cochran, Jerry Davis, Paul Frazier, Carl Haines, Orville Hamilton, Ralph McCall, Russell Rosenbaum and Jim Swaney.

Ron is survived by his wife, Rosemary; children, Carla Lanham (Eric), Kevin Stephens (Margaret) and Kenneth Stephens (Lisa); grandchildren, Max Lanham (Jerrica), Maggie Lanham, Michael Lanham, Olivia Stephens, Kate Stephens, Charlotte Stephens, Anna Stephens and Luke Stephens; siblings, Shirley Hamilton and Kathy Cochran; sisters-in-law, Beverly Frazier and Bobbie Haines, nieces and nephews, BGA golf buddies and countless other friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, March 13, for Visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with the Celebration of Life beginning at 2:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will take place afterward, followed by a catered reception; all services held at White Chapel Funeral Home and Cemetery 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, MO, 64119.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s honor to First Tee Greater Kansas City, an organization that supports youth golfers through mentorship. Visit https://firstteekc.org/donate/

The family would like to thank Monarch Hospice and the staff at The Piper Assisted Living and Memory Care for their kindness and attention during Ron’s final days.