Florence Marie Stephens

Florence was born in Yakima, WA February 22, 1919. She was the eldest of seven children born to Frank and Mary Rabung. She graduated from Yakima High School in 1937. During her lifetime, she lived in Japan, France, Carmel, CA, numerous states in the United States and finally moved back to Yakima in 1969, where she resided until 2003.

Gifted with a flamboyant personality that made her standout in any crowd, Florence could tell a story better than anyone. People enjoyed her company immensely and she liked nothing better than to meet someone and engage in conversation. Her memory was superior; she often recalled details that others had long forgotten. One of her memory secrets was in keeping notations on calendars- which she kept for years, always within reach.

Florence is survived by her daughter Lori (Stephens) Bohn, her son-in-law Dave, and her granddaughter Dari. She is also survived by her brothers Vic (Peg), Bob (Gertrude), and Don (Diane) Rabung, sister-in-law Charline Rabung, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews and many, many friends.

Florence is preceded in death by her first husband, Carl F. Ayers, who passed in 1943. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Stephens, daughters Melody, Margaret, and Nicki Stephens, brothers Chuck and Paul Rabung, sister and brother-in-law Loretta and Lou Poznanski, and her parents Mary and Frank Rabung.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 21st from 4 PM to 8 PM and Thursday, December 22nd from 8:3 AM to 9:30 AM at the Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass celebrating Florence’s well-lived life will be held 10 AM Thursday, December 22nd at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.