Aleta Gayle Stephens, 73, of Valparaiso passed away Sunday, June 26, 2022. She was born September 22, 1948 to become the daughter of Norman & Donna Jeanne (Gardner) Dahlstrom, and graduated from Thornridge High School. Aleta made her career for over 25 years with Innophos in South Chicago Heights retiring as Administration Manager in 2012. Although not a career, she was an avid cheerleader for all of her grandchildren’s school activities. Camping and fishing with Jeff may have seemed like a job at times, but she loved every minute of it.
Aleta loved her involvement as a Girl Scout leader during her years in the South Holland/Dolton, Illinois community. Her collection of kitchen gadgets and crafts supplies was legendary. Flowers and everything that went along with them was always a source of joy for her. She hosted a parade of cats in her home over the years, loving each one. And, if you were ever lucky enough to have her call you “darling”, or to have her tell you “Snap out of it”, you could be assured that she really cared about you.
On August 27, 1994 in Chesterton she married John Jeffrey Stephens who survives as her ageless husband, along with her daughter, Erin (Mike) Machura of Valparaiso, Son: Robert (Johanna) Montgomery grandchildren; Stephanie (Aaron) Laingren, Mandy (Christian) Wilson, Aria Machura & Hyles Machura, Georgia Montgomery great-grandchildren; Noah, Grayson & Oren Laingren, brother-in-law, Erik Rauch, niece, Becky Rauch, and nephew, Elliott Rauch. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Tami Rauch.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 1st from 4 – 6 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with a celebration of life and time of sharing beginning at 6:00 pm.
