Mary Karen Stephan

Mary Karen Stephan, 78, of Huntington, Indiana, and Austin, Texas, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, less than three months after the passing of her beloved husband, David. She was born on September 12, 1947, in Logansport, Indiana, to Charles and Lucille (Morgan) Mills. Mary graduated from Northfield High School in 1965 and attended Huntington University, where she met David Edward Stephan. They married on August 12, 1967, beginning a beautiful 58-year journey together. Years later, at age 50, Mary and David returned to Huntington University together, fulfilling their shared dream of completing their education. Mary received her diploma in Business Administration in 2000. Though naturally introverted, Mary possessed a rare gift for making people feel truly seen and valued. Her greatest strength was her servant's heart—quiet, faithful, and consistent. She showed love through action: helping, supporting, and always showing up. Mary was the kind of person you could always call, and she would be genuinely happy to talk, engaged and interested in whatever was on your heart. Her constant presence and willingness to listen defined who she was as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Mary was a devoted wife, always alongside David. Together they farmed until retirement in 2018. They also served in missions education and coordination, helping organize speakers and volunteering extensively in global outreach. She traveled on mission trips with David to Honduras and Guatemala and was deeply involved in their long relationship with Turkey, visiting multiple times and fully engaging with the people and culture. In Texas, she regularly helped her son Mark Stephan host gatherings for international students and Turkish friends, welcoming everyone with genuine warmth and hospitality. As a mother, Mary was steady, loving, and fully present—encouraging her children, helping with projects and schoolwork, and ensuring they always knew they were loved. As a grandmother, she adored her grandchildren, proudly sharing their photos and stories, missing them when she was away in Texas, and cherishing every connection with them. Mary built a meaningful career at Andrews Elementary School, first as a teacher's aide and later as the school librarian. She transformed the library, expanded book access, and inspired countless children to love reading. Her book fairs became a defining part of the school experience and are still fondly remembered today. Her love for books and children made a lasting impact on the community. One of Mary's most beautiful qualities was her ability to welcome people into her family. When Erdal (Eimy) Kulgu came to the United States, he lived with Mary and David in Indiana while attending Huntington University, which they helped support. Mary treated him as her own son, and he came to see her as his American mother. Their relationship was deeply familial, loving, and lifelong—a testament to Mary's generous heart and her gift for making others feel truly at home. A woman of deep Christian faith, Mary attended St. Paul's Church, College Park United Brethren Church, and Austin Ridge Bible Church during her time in Texas. Her faith was most visible through service and missions, as she lived out her beliefs through acts of love, service, and compassion. Mary loved quilting and created beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. She was passionate about genealogy, researching family history and collaborating with relatives. She also enjoyed painting, including oil painting, writing, and reading. In her later years, quilting and reading brought her particular joy. In her final years, Mary devoted herself to caring for David as his health declined, faithfully managing medications, appointments, and daily needs—even while facing her own health challenges. She remained steady, protective, and loving, ensuring he was cared for in every way until his passing. Her selfless devotion exemplified the depth of her love and commitment. Mary is survived by her sons Joseph Daniel (Kathy) Stephan and Mark Edward Stephan; her brother Charles (Mary) Mills; her sister Sharon (Ken) Romine; seven grandchildren: Katie (Andrew) Eckerley, Jacob (Liza) Stephan, Zoee (Nathan) Richardson, Wyatt (Bailey) Stephan, Lauren (Chase) Gray, Lucas (Savannah) Johnson, and Larissa (Ben) Rodkey; and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband David Edward Stephan (October 21, 2025), her son Michael David Stephan (May 2020), her parents Charles and Lucille Mills, and her daughter-in-law Sharon (Bolen) Stephan. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary in Huntington, Indiana Tuesday January 20th, 9am-11am visitation and 11am funeral. Mary will be laid to rest at St. Paul's County Line Church Cemetery beside her beloved husband, David Stephan. Additional service details will be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to Potawatomi Wildlife Park Mary's life was marked by faithful service, quiet strength, and an extraordinary ability to make people feel loved and welcomed. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the children she inspired, and the family she created—both by birth and by choice.

Mary Karen Stephan

September 12, 1947 - January 16, 2026