Marjorie Ann Stephenson of Eureka Springs was born March 8, 1932, in La Crosse, Kan., daughter of William and Alma Renz, of Rush Center, Kan. She departed this life on Feb. 17, 2020, at age 87.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard Stephenson of the home; daughters, Ellen and Jody Stephenson; son, Jay Stephenson; son-in-law, Ron Lutz, all living in Eureka Springs; sister, Maxine (Merle) Josefiak and brother Ray (Janet) Renz of La Crosse, Kansas; and grandson, Ray (Ruth) Stephenson of Manhattan, Kan.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, brother Harley, sister Wilma, and grandson Abe Foncannon.
She was a graduate of La Crosse High School, then went to Fort Hays State, and later graduated magna cum laude from St. Mary of the Plains College.
Marjorie had two careers: one in Education and one in the lodging industry. She began her teaching career in the last one-room schoolhouse in Kansas, then taught one year in Heizer, and seven years in Greensburg. Her second career in the motel business lasted 20 years.
Marjorie and Richard owned and operated several different motel properties in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri, after which they retired to their beloved Greensburg for about ten years, and then to Eureka Springs in 2006, just months before an EF-5 tornado destroyed Greensburg.
Marjorie was always a student of God’s Word, a faithful church member, Bible teacher, UMW secretary, Auxiliary member of Gideons, and founder of the Greensburg United Methodist church library.
Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. To place an online tribute, visit www.nelsonberna.com