Ellen R. "Babe" Stephens, age 97

Ellen R. "Babe" Stephens, of Webster, Florida, and formerly of Greenup, Illinois, passed away at 5:50 AM - Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares, Florida.

Ellen better known as "Babe" was born on August 5, 1919, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of Clarence M. and Ethel J. (Carey) Bowman.  She married William H. Stephens on December 20th, 1934 in Albion, Illinois and preceded her in death March 1, 1998.

Babe worked for many years and retired General Telephone of Tampa, Florida.  After returning to Greenup, she was a hostess part time at the Dutch Pantry, also worked part time in Arndt's 5&10 Store in Greenup.  At the age of 70, she opened the Village Variety Store in Greenup, and operated it for 9 years and then at the age of 79, she went to work for ERBA Head Start for 9 years, she which she absolutely loved.

Babe was a member of the Webster United Methodist Church in Florida and a former member of the Greenup United Methodist Church.  She was also a member of the Greenup VFW ladies auxiliary, Women's club in Greenup and various church related groups.

Babe was very active in her community and was always willing to serve.  She served for 4 years on the board for the Village of Greenup and was instrumental in forming the Greenup Ambulance Service.

Babe is survived by:
Natal ie McCarthy of Bucyrus, Ohio
John K.  (Anne) Stephens of Tavares, Florida
Cynthia Jane Farmer of Spiro, Oklahoma
James C. (Solange) Stephens of Webster, Florida
Julie A. Pointer of Mount Dora, Florida

23 Grandchildren    41 Great Grandchildren    23 Great Great Grandchildren

Babe was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son William E. Stephens, grandson Scott Stephens, brother Loren Bowman, sisters Iverna Cooper and Doris Peters .