Alberta K. "Bertie" Stephens Obituary (1948 - 2024)

Alberta Kay "Bertie" Stephens, 76, of Alexandria, and formerly of Elwood passed away on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Alexandria Care Center. She was born on Jan. 20, 1948, in Elwood to the late Howard and Almeda (Mudd) Collier. Alberta was very close with her siblings. Her brothers, Dick and Gene, as well as her beloved sisters, Susie and Carolyn, held a very special place in her heart. She was never one to shy away from telling a good story, and she often would tell of the very special day when she met the love of her life, Larry. She would share the moment when she admired a tall (and thin at that time) young boy who came hopping onto the school bus with a basketball tucked under his arm and the prettiest smile on his face. She was immediately smitten and leaned over to her friend and whispered "I'm gonna marry that boy one day!" So, on January 22, 1966, she did just that...she married the man she fell in love with at first sight and shared 31 wonderful years of marriage before Larry's passing in 1997. Their marriage brought five wonderful children into the world: Shaun (Lori) Stephens, Jenny Brown, Melissa Standridge, Joshua (Dusti) Stephens, and Zachory (Amber) Stephens. As their families grew, she was blessed with twelve grandchildren; Stephanie House, Jacob House, Tiffany (Travis) Foor, Tyler House, Tanner Standridge, Tenasha Stephens, Brock Stephens, Avrie Stephens, Eland Brown, Liam Brown, Jacob Stephens, and Dean Stephens; and four great-grandchildren, Eli House, Vince Hartley, Lucas Hartley, and Theo Foor. All of her children and their families, as well as so many other family members and friends, were very lucky to be loved and cared for by Alberta, and her love for all of them was evident by her glowing demeanor. It was undoubtable that the love and care she had for her family was the Lord's purpose for her, and she did not disappoint. Alberta dedicated her life to making others happy in any way she could. When you were hungry, you could always count on a hot meal. If you were lonely, she was the one you could talk to, and she listened. If you were sad, she was a shoulder to cry on. She always offered motherly advice, and if you needed spiritual advice or had questions about faith, well, she had a verse to comfort you. If you needed a protector, she had your back and there was no one fiercer in protecting the ones she loved than her. Alberta's love knew no bounds, and all of those she has left behind to continue her legacy feel so blessed to have been touched by it. Alberta's last few years were very challenging for her, so the family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff at the Alexandria Care Center for allowing her to reap some of the fruits of compassion that she dedicated her life to sowing...so much heartfelt thank you for their entire team. Alberta's torch may be out, but she used that flame to ignite a fire within so many others to ensure that this world will forever be a brighter place. She is so loved and will be sorely missed by those who loved and knew her. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Dunnichay Funeral Home, 1113 S. Anderson St., Elwood, IN. The funeral service celebrating Alberta's life will be Wednesday, at 1:00 pm at Dunnichay Funeral Home with her brother-in-law and Pastor Tim Singleton officiating. Burial will follow in McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Alexandria Care Center. Online condolences can be shared at www.dunnichayfuneralhome.com.