Obituary of Joan Stephens

JOAN STEPHENS Joan Stephens, 86, Columbia, MO, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO with her family by her side. She was born July 21, 1936, in Sturgeon, MO the daughter of the late Willie and Jessie (Merrell) Kanatzar who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Howard, her brothers, Dale and Edward Kanatzar, and her sisters, Wanda Kanatzar and Mary Minor. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her daughter Lori Johnson (Greg) of Columbia, MO; her son Jeffrey Stephens of Moberly, MO; granddaughter Latricia "Trish" Koester (Jake) of Sturgeon, MO and her children Lillian and Tyson Roe; granddaughter Kimberly Cook (Kevin) of Moberly, MO and their son, Henry; grandson Christopher Johnson (Laura) and their children, Graham, Milo and Charlotte; granddaughter Sydney Mullin (Cody) of Tulsa, OK; one step grandson Cameron Beckfield of Tulsa, OK; as well as a beloved niece and several nephews. Joan was a member of the Sturgeon Christian Church for over 70 years. She enjoyed the outdoors, all sports, and visiting with family and friends. She loved to travel and had visited all 50 states. When Tom Sawyer was filmed in Arrow Rock, she had a speaking part and recently participated in the parade for the 50th Anniversary. She was a past Sunday School teacher, a 4-H leader, and a Camp Fire Girls Leader. She previously worked for the Boone County Assessor’s Office and later retired from 3M. Graveside services will be 11:30 am Monday October 10, 2022, at the Mt. Horeb Cemetery in Sturgeon, MO. Interment will be in the Mt. Horeb Cemetery in Sturgeon, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sturgeon Christian Church or to the Friends of Mt. Horeb Cemetery, c/o Oliver Funeral Home, P.O. Box 125 Centralia, MO 65240. Condolences may also be made to the family at www.oliverfuneralhome.net