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Clarabelle E. (Rundell) Stephenson 1935 - 2025
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Clarabelle E. (Rundell) Stephenson
Published: Feb 25, 2025, 8:02 PM

Clarabelle E. (Rundell) Stephenson, age 89, passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2025, in Overland Park, Kan. A devoted wife, mother, teacher, and friend, Clare lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. Born on Nov. 8, 1935, in Bucklin, Kan., to Ira “Tom” Rundell and Irma (Bailey) Rundell, Clare grew up on the family farm alongside her eight siblings, Mildred (Toby), Betty, Rosemary, Phyllis, Esther, Georgia, and Eugene, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and love. On Aug. 7, 1955, she married the love of her life, Lewis E. Stephenson, in Bucklin, Kan. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter, raising six boys, Taber (Penny), Tedd (Carrie), Todd (Teri), and Tyler (Kenna). She was preceded in death by two sons, Timothy “Tim” Stephenson, Thomas “Tom” Stephenson, and daughter-in-law, Carla Drescher. She is also fondly remembered by Tim’s wife, Nathalea Stephenson, and Carla’s husband, Phil Drescher, who remain cherished members of the family.

Clare was a dedicated educator, earning her degree from Fort Hays University in 1969. She spent her career teaching middle and high school students, especially those who needed extra encouragement, structure, and care. After raising her own children, she and Lewis became foster parents as well as hosted three foreign exchange students, extending their love and guidance to many beyond their immediate family. Faith was the foundation of her life. A longtime member of First United Methodist Church, she lived her beliefs every day, standing firm in her values and caring deeply for those around her. She was known for her famous chocolate chip cookies, her love of family gatherings, and her enthusiastic support at every sporting event her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participated in. Strong and loving, she was a role model who took care of those she loved with unwavering devotion. She leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her lessons, stories, and the warmth of her presence.

A funeral service to celebrate Clare’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 at Foundry Community Church in Great Bend with interment following at the Great Bend Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Lewis. All who knew and loved her are invited to attend. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25th at Charter Funerals in Great Bend. The family has asked that memorials be directed to the Kansas CASA Association with the funeral home in charge. Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary may be viewed at http://www.chartergreatbend.com.


Funeral arrangements provided by

Charter Funerals

2115 Washington St.

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 27, 2025
Nancy Marie Tucker (Meyer)     1954 - 2025
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Nancy Marie Tucker (Meyer)
Published: Apr 11, 2025, 6:38 PM

Nancy Marie Tucker (Meyer) went to her eternal resting place on April 3rd, 2025. She was born on March 30, 1954 in Great Bend, Kan. to Fred and Elizabeth Meyer. Being a lifetime Ellinwood resident, Nancy graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1972.

Her childhood was filled with lots of family time. Having a house at the lake, they spent many weekends there where she learned to fish and waterski. Many memories were made while they traveled all around the country for summer vacations. Nancy was involved in activities including Girl Scouts and 4-H where she learned to sew and went on to make and model her own hand-made outfits. Following in her parents’ footsteps, Nancy found a love for photography. Throughout her life, she always made sure to capture life’s memories for everyone to cherish.

Nancy was known to be the family historian. She spent hundreds of hours putting together family trees and scanning old photo albums to be put online for all of her family to enjoy.

She was a selfless and devoted mother and spent decades of her life taking pride in raising her six children. Nancy was her kids’ biggest supporter and cheerleader and was heavily involved in her children’s activities and sports.

Nancy was a warrior. In 2020 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went on to fight and win that battle, never losing faith.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth; her father, Fred; and her son, Jason. She is survived and forever cherished and missed by siblings, Marlene (Gary) of Tucson, Joyce (Darrell) of Yuma, John of South Hutchinson, Norma (Lawrence) of Ellinwood; husband, David Tucker of Ellinwood; son, Kevin Pflughoeft (Gena) of Great Bend; son, Brian Pflughoeft of Claflin; son, David Tucker (Kodi) of Hoisington; son, Andrew Tucker of Ellinwood; daughter, Maria Gray of Great Bend; daughter, Amanda Tucker (Tyler) of Ellinwood; grandchildren Damian, Devin, Brittany, Zakary, Kassidy, Jayden, Anthony, Owen, Brenyn, Kelsey, Kurt, Kolton, Malikai, Elizabeth, Riley, Roy, Braxton, Emma, Michael; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a celebration of life for Nancy held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 at noon at Encounter Church. Memorials can be sent to the COPD Foundation at their mailing address: COPD Foundation 3300 Ponca de Leon Boulevard, Miami, FL 33134.


Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 12, 2025