Mary Ellen Stephen

Born in Hamilton Ohio to Herman and Wilma Chain, Mary Ellen was the first of five children. When she was a young girl, she thrived in a devout Christian environment while being an astute student. After graduating Hamilton High (Ohio) in 1960, Mary Ellen went to Miami of Ohio University where she met her future husband. As a military spouse Mary Ellen set higher education aside to raise a family.

Mary Ellen was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family. She will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the kindness she showed to others, and her willingness to help anyone in need. She was a devoted mother of three children: Dan (Kim), Tim (Farina), and Sarah. Her family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She was a beloved grandmother, affectionately known as “Meme” to seven grandchildren: Joshua, Haley, Scott, Hannah, Carina, Conner, and Liam. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Kailah and Lily.

Education was deeply important to Mary Ellen and she was driven by a lifelong desire to learn and to make a difference in the lives of others. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Special Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her commitment to children and families extended far beyond the classroom. Her graduate thesis became the foundation for Nevada’s much-needed early childhood program known as First Step in 1980 which became Nevada Early Intervention Services in 2003. This program is designed to support families in adapting and navigating the experience of raising a child with special needs. Through her education, compassion, and determination, Mary Ellen helped create meaningful support for families who needed it most—a legacy that continues far beyond her own life.

Throughout her life, Mary Ellen applied her many talents to gardening, painting, cooking, writing, and volunteering. She was a true artist and philanthropist. She had a generous heart and a special compassion for people who were struggling or in need. She never hesitated to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or make someone feel cared for. Her kindness was not simply something she spoke about—it was something she lived every day.

Her greatest legacy is the love she created within her family and the many lives she touched through her compassion and generosity. She will be deeply missed and forever loved by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and in the kindness she inspired in others.

A memorial service will be held at Palm Eastern Mortuary on October 14, 2026 at 10:00 am with a celebration of life thereafter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://events.alz.org/s/13631/13433) in her honor. Commemorative pavers honoring Mary Ellen can be found at the Dedication Walkway at Red Rock Canyon, and Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, NV.