Carolyn Stephens

Services for Carolyn Stephens, 91, of Groton and formerly of Sioux Falls, will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2013 at Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton. Rev. Matt Richards will officiate. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton.


Carolyn Virginia Stephens was born March 18, 1922, in Linton, North Dakota to Peter and Cora (VanDyk) DeBoer. Carolyn attended grade school and graduated high school May 24, 1940, in Linton, ND. She furthered her education by attending the North Dakota Agricultural College, and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Dec. 20th, 1945, with a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. Following graduation she held a position at the University of Utah in medical research.

She was united in marriage to Marion "Steve" James Stephens, June 15th, 1946 in Gettysburg, SD. Carolyn and Marion moved to Huron, SD after their marriage, where they lived for 32 years. During that time Carolyn worked at the Huron Hospital in the laboratory. They moved to and retired in Sioux Falls, SD. Carolyn moved to Golden Living Center in Groton, SD in August 2008.

Carolyn was active in school plays during high school, enjoyed writing poetry, and worked in her father's pharmacy, at the "soda fountain", and later became a pharmacy assistant. Throughout her life, "Care" volunteered for many organizations. She was in the Credit Union League and Telephone Pioneers. She also volunteered many hours at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. She transported patients and helped in the medical museum. She was chosen as Volunteer of the year. She also enjoyed crocheting, reading, camping, and socializing with family and friends. Carolyn cherished her friendships, and maintained contact with them from grade school until today.

Honored to be her children is her son, James (& Sharon) Stephens of Renton, Washington, and daughter, Laurie Bint, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; her grandchildren: Kyle and Gayle Stephens, Kristen and Wojtek Chmielewski, Kelly and John Douglas, and great grandchildren: Mason, Addison, and Corah Stephens, Logan Chmielewski, and Jordyn, Braeden and Brooklyn Douglas.

Carolyn is also survived by sister in law's, Melva Glodt, Sioux Falls, SD, and Jan Stephens of Rapid City, SD, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one great granddaughter, Ella Chmielewski, her brother Harve DeBoer, and her sister, Aileen "Betty" Miller.

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