Shirley M. Stephens, 82, of Columbus, formerly of St. Louis, MO, passed peacefully from this life at 6:05 PM on Wednesday May 30, 2018 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. Shirley was born on July 17, 1935 in Jefferson City, MO. She was the 2nd of 9 children, and was the daughter of Joseph Hopen and Thelma Mushrush Hopen.

Shirley was a wonderful mother and doting grandmother, whose greatest pleasure was spending time with her family. She was beautiful inside and out, with a dazzling smile and a love of laughter. People were drawn to her sweet and kind nature, and she made everyone feel loved and valued with her ever-listening ear. In her younger years, Shirley loved to go dancing, and she spent thousands of hours at the dining room table playing cards with her family and friends. Shirley faced her life's challenges with dignity and grace, and had gratitude for all the blessings in her life. Shirley was the sweetest, kindest woman-- a true family treasure. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew her.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Terri (Jack) Bartnett of Columbus, daughter-in-law Diana Stephens of St. Charles, MO, sisters Joan Taylor, Marge (Rich) Jones, Pat Ihle, brothers Jim Hopen, and Danny Hopen, all of the St. Louis area. Grandchildren Sarah (Teancum) Clark and Christine (Ben) Harris both of Columbus, Matthew Stephens, Becky (Jared) Colvin, Eric Stephens, Alyssa Stephens, Joseph Stephens, all of the St. Louis area, and Emily (Charles) Meischen, of Texas. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, son Michael Stephens, sisters Betii Meister and Joyce Morrow, brother Bill Hopen, and niece Rhonda Brazil.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday June 10 at Newcomer, St. Peter's Chapel, 837 Mid rivers Mall Dr. St. peters, Missouri, with visiting hours from 10 am-noon, followed by a memorial service. Following the service, a burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Troy, Missouri.

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