Stephanie Jane Roberts

Stephanie Jane Roberts passed away Wednesday morning, December 21, 2011 at the Jefferson County Health Center. She was 78 years old.

Stephanie was born, Betty Mae Whisner, to Carl and Jenny Whisner, in Perry, Iowa on December 16, 1933. She lived in an orphanage for several years. In 1940, she was adopted by Hugh and Faye Douglass, of New London, Iowa and they changed her name to Stephanie Jane Douglass. The family moved to Des Moines and she graduated from Des Moines Lincoln High School in 1951.

Stephanie married Leo Eugene (Gene) Roberts in Des Moines on June 15, 1952. They lived in Illinois where Gene was stationed in the Air Force for 2 years. Later they moved back to Des Moines and she was employed by McRae-Renaud Insurance Agency for over 20 years. Most recently, they moved from Russell to Fairfield.

She enjoyed her friends, family, water walking, reading, music and cooking for others.

Stephanie is survived by her husband: Leo, of 59 years, her children: Victoria (David) Eastburn of Fairfield and Scott (Karen) Roberts of Lamoni and six grandchildren: Benjamin Eastburn of South Bend, Indiana; Samuel Eastburn of Fairfield; Timothy Eastburn of Ames; Eva, Erin and Curtis Roberts, all of Lamoni.

She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 23, 2011 at Behner Funeral Home, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

A graveside service will be conducted at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at 3 p.m., near Prairie City, for family and friends. Pastor Nate Nims will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. Cards and memorials can be sent to 2204 Westhills Drive, Fairfield, Iowa 52556.