Loa Jane Stephenson was born December 1, 1943 to John and Agnes Sutorius in Humboldt, Nebraska. The Sutorius family moved to the more comfortable climate of Safford, Arizona in 1947. Loa and her older sister Linda, younger sister Lorna, and their parents enjoyed a happy life in that small desert town where they were involved in their church, First Methodist Church Safford.

Loa was an avid reader and learner. Like her father, she was a musician and played clarinet in the high school marching band. She and her sisters were also competent pianists. Throughout her life, Loa enjoyed singing in choirs and especially liked being part of the Madrigal high school choir. Loa was the salutatorian of her high school graduating class of 1961. She attended the University of Redlands in Redlands, California where she met Art Stephenson. He was the one for her as she was the one for him. They married September 7, 1963 and were blessed to celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary on the Monday before she passed away. Loa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Northridge University, near Art’s job out of college. She taught Kindergarten for one year, but quit to become a stay-at-home mom (her dream job!). They eventually settled in Cypress, California where their three children were born. Sadly, their son Douglas died shortly after birth in 1966. Kristin was born 2 years later in 1968 and John was born 2 ½ years later in 1971. The Stephensons enjoyed many deep friendships in connection to their churches, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and later, Los Altos United Methodist Church. In 1982, the family moved to Seal Beach, California. In 1992, Art accepted the offer to take leadership of Oceaneering Space Systems in Clear Lake, Texas. Art and Loa moved there and began putting down roots. Kristin and Mark relocated to Clear Lake several months later (Mark’s parents had also recently moved to Clear Lake from So. California). John followed shortly thereafter. It was a joy for Loa to have her family in Texas, all living in the same area and attending Clear Lake United Methodist Church together since 1995, where friendships and strong connections remain.

Over the years, as Art’s work brought location changes, Loa was always willing to go wherever needed to be supportive of him, even when it pulled her away from her children and grandchildren. In 1998, Art was recruited as Center Director of Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Art served faithfully in that role for 5 years. There were many enjoyable weeks spent together as a family there. When Art shifted to working at Northrup Grumman in 2004, Clear Lake was established as their home base once again, much to the delight of Loa.

Loa was inquisitive, curious, faithful, loyal, empathetic, kind, and sweet. Everyone said her smile lit up a room when she entered. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, parents, sisters, and extended family as well as anyone could. To say she will be missed is an understatement.

Loa is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Art Stephenson; children Kristin (Mark) Parkinson and John (Amy) Stephenson; five grandchildren Paul, Blake (Kelly), & Jack (Katye) Parkinson, and Scott (Maddie) & Hannah Stephenson; three great grandchildren Arthur, Lydia, and Jane Parkinson and her sister Linda Sonive. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Agnes, sister Lorna, and son Douglas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT) at 2944 County Road 113, Lineville, Alabama 36266. Their website is SIFAT.org for online donations and more information.