In Memory of

Phyllis Diane Micka Stephens

Life Sketch

Today we celebrate the life of Phyllis Diane Micka Stephens, who was born on December 4, 1938, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and passed away peacefully from mortality into the loving arms of our Savior on April 23, 2026, at the age of 87. Diane is the beloved daughter of George and Beverly Micka. She is the oldest of five children, her younger siblings are Donald, Donna, Darrell, and Darla. She grew up on a family farm where she learned values of hard work, responsibility, outdoor fun, family loyalty, community, lofty expectations, achievement, and learning from struggles and disappointment.

Diane learned to steer a truck at five years old, excelled in school; athletics, cheer, dance, and academics. She was rodeo royalty, an accomplished horse rider, and lifeguard at the local swimming pool where she worked with another young lifeguard, Ron Stephens. Diane and Ron were first introduced when she was an infant and Ron a toddler. His job was to make sure Diane didn't fall off the bed while their parents played cards and board games.

After graduating from Malin High School in 1957, Diane attended the University of Oregon and became a huge fan of her beloved Ducks. She married Ron Stephens, a Beaver Believer, on December 28, 1958. Together they raised four children, Kim, Kevin, Kent, and Kristen. In 1963, young missionaries introduced the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the young couple entered the waters of baptism, changing the course of their family. Diane supported Ron in his teaching and coaching career. She also focused on raising her children, and caring for others in her own work; a nursing home caregiver, a childcare provider, a classroom aid, and school bus driver.

Diane and Ron spent 57 years building a life of love, laughter, tested growth, and church service. She loved her church callings serving children and leading music. Ron passed away in January 2016 when they were temporarily separated. Now they are reunited through eternity. Diane is survived by her sister Donna (Jerry) Ehlers, and children Kim Whittaker, Kevin (Teri) Stephens, Kent Stephens, and Kristen Naillon.

In addition, Diane is survived by 16 grandchildren; Stephen (Kristin), Darren (Jenny), Becky (Trent), Amber {Nik), Natalie, Ryan (Rachel), Brett (Liz), Travis (Julie), Michelle (Casey) Anthony, Tyler ( Dannica), Ben (Nadine), Duane, Emily (James), Trevor (Becca) and Noah, and 37 great-grandchildren; Alexis, Jenna, Adeline, Bristol, Maverick, Stacy, Dakota, Addison, Henry, Lincoln, Echo, Scarlett, Indie, Anika, Trevor, Emily, Justin, Mason, Hannah, Avery, Oakley, Easton, Reese, Bailey, McKinley, Brady, Jordan, Tanner, Cooper, Raylan, Danielle, Roy, Gideon, Mariah, Athena and two to be born soon!

As we say goodbye for now, we take comfort in knowing the full measure of our Heavenly Father's eternal plan, and that Diane has finished her earthly journey and is now home in a familiar place where there is no more pain or sorrow. This is the birth we call death. She joins her beloved Ron, her parents, siblings and untold numbers of family and friends. God be with you mom, until we meet again.