Orla E Stephens

Orla E. Stephens, Jr., 81, of Mount Olive, Illinois, and Rural Wayne County, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his residence in Mount Olive on November 25.The son of the late Orla Stephens, Sr. and Elizabeth Woods Stephens, he was born August 10, 1943, on the Stephens family farm in rural Wayne County, Missouri, a place he held close to his heart throughout his life. Orla married the love of his life, Connie J. Koehler, on February 13, 1965, and they shared nearly 60 years of cherished memories together. Connie survives.

Orla worked for many years at Granite City Steel before retiring to dedicate his time to raising cattle at his beloved Orcon Ranch. His days were spent doing what he loved most—being on the farm, working with his cows, fishing, and hunting. Orla was known for enjoying a good fish fry and sitting around a campfire, telling stories to friends and family. His favorite title was "PaPa," and he treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings: Neva (Donald) Hartmann, Mary Hamm, and Ronald Stephens; and his children: Orla (Sherry) Stephens III , Katherine Stephens, and John Stephens. He was the proud grandfather of five: Larry (Brittney) Frank, Meagan (Adam) Madden, Joseph (Miranda) Stephens, Alexis Stephens, Payton Stephens, as well as Steven Fosnock (and family); and a great-grandfather to six: Tyler Madden, Marqui Frank, Selah Frank, Nora Madden, Amelia Madden, and Evangeline Frank. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will deeply miss him.

Orla’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his legacy of family, hard work, and storytelling will continue for generations.

Visitation was held at 6:00 pm, Monday, December 2, 2024, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral service was held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 3, 2024, also in the Greenville Chapel. Rev. Dr. Larry Frank ministered to the family. Orla E. Stephens III, Dr. Larry Frank, Staff Sergeant Joseph Stephens, Rusty Devine, Ronald Stephens, and Mackenzie Stephens served as pallbearers. Burial followed at the Stephens Family Cemetery in rural Wayne County, where Orla will be laid to rest in the place he loved most. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Orla E Stephens, please visit our floral store.