Wanda Stephens

Wanda L. Stephens passed away on March 16, 2023, in Gilbert, Arizona.

She was born Wanda Lavern Mekan on Aug. 17, 1932, in Stoddard County, Missouri, to parents Ollie Bell Grim Mekan and August JF Mekan.

Wanda graduated from Bernie High School and in 1953, married James E Stephens.

JE and Wanda started their family while stationed at Amarillo AFB, Texas. Their family grew as they moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas, Sikeston, Missouri, and finally Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1961. JE and Wanda raised their four daughters while living in Scottsdale. The couple moved to Gilbert, Arizona, in 2000 and remained happily married until his passing in December 2021.

Wanda is survived by her daughters, Dena Stephens, Brenda (Mike) Marozsan, Lisa (Amir) Shafe, and Shelly (Bill) Hartnedy. She is grandmother to 11, great-grandmother to nine, and has one great-great-grandson.

Wanda is survived also by three brothers: Donald Mekan of St. Charles, Doyle Mekan of Arnold, and Gene Mekan of Bernie. Additionally, her nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, cherished extended family, and many good friends will all miss her warm hugs, her infectious laughter, her patient kindness, and her caring heart.

Additional information and a Tribute Wall can be found by visiting www.messingermortuary.com.