Sondra L. Stephens
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Sondra L. Stephens, “Mimi,” went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Center Point Hospital. Her passing was very unexpected.
A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Blue Springs from 5pm to 7pm, Thursday August 10th. Her Celebration of Life will follow at 7pm at First Baptist Church of Blue Springs. 4500 Little Blue Parkway, Independence MO.
Sondra was born December 21, 1945, in Kansas City, MO. She was the daughter of Elbert & Fina Shores. She grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Northeast High School in 1963. She graduated from CMSU in 1968 with a Bachelor’s of Education. She taught Health & Physical Education in several school districts over her career, with the final 25 years in Independence, MO before retiring in 2000.
She was proceeded in death by her parents and her daughter Donna Diffey in 2017. She is survived by her husband of 57 years Rex E. Stephens and one son Rex Stephens Jr. (Heidi) of Springfield, MO. Other survivors include John Diffey (Alesha) & grandson Clark Diffey (Hannah) of Blue Springs, MO. Josie Stephens-Cox (Josh) of Yukon, OK, Mitch Stephens (Sidney), Springfield, MO & Macie Stephens, Springfield, MO. One great grandson Barrett Diffey. She also leaves behind her brother Dick Shores (Helen) of Platte City, MO & several very close nieces and nephews.
She was very active at Living Stones Community Church. She was known for her hospitality and cooking for both family and many friends. She was always quick to prepare meals for other families at church and in her neighborhood when there was a need—she served thousands of refreshments at FCA meetings in her home for over 25 years. She was known for her homemade Italian pasta meals and famous brownies among many other great desserts and meals. She also enjoyed watching her grandchildren play many sports throughout the years, all around the country.
If you would like to send flowers, please send them to the church, the day of the service.
Heaven gained such a wonderful woman! However my heart, love, and prayers are with everyone that loved her so dearly! Rex, our deepest sympathy and love is with you! You both have made an impact and lasting impression on so many, including Joe and I.
Rex, my love and prayers are with you and all of those who love Sandra. I hope that you will find some peace and comfort knowing she is celebrating in Heaven.
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of such a wonderful woman, and our greatest joy knowing she’s with the Lord. Rex, you both are very dear to us, and we’re praying you and your family feel the Lord’s presence and comfort.
My deepest condolences. I loved Sondra. She was quick to serve the needs of others. Heaven gained a wonderful woman.
Sondra was one of the mist beautiful person i enjoyed being around . I could always feel the love everytime i was around Sondra and Rex . Sondra’s sharing , caring , and love will be missed deeply .
Rex,
Our thoughts and prayers are with. She will be missed by many because she was so loved. We always enjoyed catching up with you both when our paths crossed. If Mark is coming to town let him know there is a place for him in our home if they need a place to stay. Rob & Jennifer
Rex, Bob and I are so sorry to learning of Sondra’s death. Bob has many good memories of his time with the two of you at Northeast High. And I remember the ministry you and Rex Jr. did at FCA, and your teaching at BSA. Sondra touched many lives for Jesus. She is now home!
Rex, I am so sorry to hear of Sondra passing. Heaven gained a wonderful soul. So glad I got to visit with her for awhile at Kristen’s party. She was a very special lady and will be deeply missed by all. Heaven is sounding a lot sweeter every day.
Rex, so so sorry to hear of Sondra’s passing. Will always remember you both stopping by our home in Bella Vista. Such sweet hospitality and personality will surely be missed.
Will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers
Loren and Sue Shoff
My heart just breaks for you Rex and your family. Sonda was such a sweet and kind person to me and my family we felt like we were a part of yours in some small way. The only thing I could say is she is with your daughter and other family that has gone We Love you and are praying for you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rex and his family. We will miss Sondra. She was an amazing and thoughtful lady. We know she is with her Jesus and her beautiful daughter. Someday soon, we will all be together with our Lord and loved ones.
Rex, I send you my condolences and love. You two were a shining example of what a Godly marriage union should be. Thank you for that. As you know heaven has gained a wonderful woman and she will be greatly missed. She had such a servant’s heart and willingness to help others. I’ll be praying for you and your family. Blessings! Rob Seidel
Our hearts broke at the news of Sondra’s sudden passing. However, we rejoice that she is now with Jesus, and Donna and other loved ones, and our hope of heaven grows more and more. She is a dearly loved saint and her servant heart and generous hospitality will be truly missed here by all who knew her. Rex, you and Sondra were such a vital part of our lives during our time at Birchwood and we remain blessed to have known you and your love and care. We are praying for God’s peace, comfort, and strength to sustain you and your family as you rest in His all-sufficient grace during this difficult time. We love you!
Bob and I are so shocked and saddened by this. When Bob was Rex’s assistant, Sondra and I always sat together and hoped for a Truman win and when Bob went to Chrisman, we remained friends. We have known the family since 1978 and hope their memories will give them solace.
Our hearts are heavy with the earthly loss of our dear friend. So many of our most treasured have made the passage from this world to heaven. We will miss her generosity and her infectious smile. Praying for you Rex and the family. We will see you soon our sweet Sondra.
Our hearts are heavy with the earthly loss of our dear friend. So many of our most treasured have made the passage from this world to heaven. We will miss her generosity and her infectious smile. Praying for you Rex and the family. We will see you soon our sweet Sondra.
I am so sorry to hear about Sondras passing ! I have known Rex & Sondra for many years & what a sincere & Christian couple they have been . My sincere sympathy & prayers for the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Sondra’s passing. She was my Pep Club sponsor in 9th grade and I graduated with her daughter, Donna. I have fond memories of Sondra (& Rex) of their hospitality, Christian witness, and admired them for the impact they had on so many young people’s lives in our community. Prayers of peace and comfort Rex and the entire family. Carrying you in our hearts.
Our sincerest sympathy to Rex and family. I worked with Sharon through the Independence School District (William Chrisman). She was such a kind,caring person. I enjoyed visiting with her about our children and sports. Prayers to all her family.
Martha and Jim Gaulden
As I became aquainted with Sondra over the years in the Independence School District I began to realize why students and staff revered with great respect this gracious, caring teacher. At that point I knew why students gravitated with the opporitunity to be in her class. Her understanding of adolecent and teenagers was matched by her care and love of each student that came in contact with her. Our prayers are with Rex and the family for this is a great loss to each and to the community she served.
Sorry for your loss. Sondra was a good friend and one of the old Palmer crew. It was good to see her at the Plamer reunions. We always had a good time remembering. Bruce Beem Texas
My deep and heartfelt sympathy to Rex and Rex, Jr., and family. Sondra was a very special Christian woman. I treasure the times we had together watching our husbands coach basketball at Truman High during the late 70’s. She will leave a space that no one can fill.
Rex and family we were so sorry to hear of Sandra’s passing. I know she is in her heavenly home. John and have been blessed with friendship. May you feel the love of Jesus in this sad time
So sad to hear of Sondra’s passing. I had the opportunity to work with Sondra and Rex on various occasions in the Independence School District. I always appreciated their passion for working with students and their ability to positively connect with students and parents. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rex and the family.
Rex, so sorry to hear of Sondra’s passing. She touched so many lives and will be missed by all who knew her.
Rex, sorry to hear of Sondra’s passing. She was a wonderful example to everyone she came in contact with. Praying for a hedge of peace and comfort to surround the family at this time.
Rex, I am saddend by Sondra’s passing. Judy and I were recipients of Sondra’s love and care. Many times after Judy had received a chemo treatment we could count on a full course meal which the two of you provided for us. Thank you for taking such good care of us.
Rex, I was very sorry to hear of Sondra’s passing. My prayers are with you and family during this time. I know that God will help you guide you, comfort and give you the strength you need. My prayers will continue to be with you!??
Many prayers for the Stephens family! Cheered with Donna in high school and always admired the strength of the Stephens family and their core values. May you find strength in your many beautiful memories.
Such a tremendous loss and sadness yet comfort in knowing that Sondra is with the Lord, the One who her strength came from. My condolences Rex to you and the family. Sondra and you have always treated me as family in so many ways. Sondra truly was the extension of God’s love in helping me live my best life and I am forever grateful for the giving of her time and love toward me. Thank you for being the Godly couple and example you lived every day. You have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so very sorry to hear about Sondra. I loved talking to her at Truman baseball games and remembering Donna with her. She was very special and will be missed.
I spent many a night at the Stephens’ house for sleepovers with Donna through elementary school. I always remember what fun we had and all the activities Sondra had for us along with the support she gave us playing various sports through the years. Sending prayers to the family during this unexpected time.
Rex and Heidi- I was so sorry to hear this news. Heaven couldn’t wait I guess and rejoicing with you that we know she’s walking streets of gold. I love your parents and will be forever grateful to them for graciously opening their home and hearts to me when I first moved to KC after Evangel. Jonathan and I have now paid it forward and tomorrow our 5th house guest moves out to finish his Senior year of college. Thank you Jesus for the mark this incredible woman made in my life! Be with her family and friends as we grieve her “moving home!”
My prayers are covering you and your family. I have wonderful memories of Sondra at Northeast Highschool. You two were highschool sweethearts and had a beautiful long marriage. Condolences to you and your family.
Rex& family we accidently ran into this information and our heart aches for you all. What a special lady. Know we will spend time together when we have heavenly bodies and can dance and worship our King. Sending our love
I did not know about Sandra’s passing until after her celebration of life. It was a privilege to teach with Sandra and Donna over the years. The love you shared with one another in the Lord spilled out on all of us. You continue to be in my prayers, that His grace will be found to be sufficient in time of need.