Kincardine Record
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IDA BELLE STEPHENS (nee MAYHEW)

January 4, 2025



Ida Belle Stephens (nee Mayhew) of Kincardine, graduated to heaven, Jan. 4, 2025, in her 89th year. She was reunited with the love of her life, her late husband, John Byers Stephens (Nov. 20, 2009). She was born Sept. 4, 1936, at her home near Otter Lake, Quebec. At the young age of eight, she lost her mother and she and her sister, Doris, became wards of her sister, Gertrude, and her husband, Claude Lemay. There, Ida helped out with chores and Gertrude’s young, growing family, until the age of 14, when she acquired at job at the hospital, cleaning rooms. Ida met John on a double date near Shawville Quebec. They immediately began a courtship and were wed just after her 17th birthday in Shawville, Sept. 26, 1953. After moving to Renfrew, Ontario, Ida and John started their family, and later relocated to Kincardine in 1969, with a family of six. All who knew Ida could see she was a go-getter and had a zest for life, making new friends easily and always wanting to try new things. Most importantly, she always wanted the best for her family and worked very hard to ensure her children had the little extras she never had as a child. As a mother, Ida always made sure her family had the best Christmas and birthdays and looked their best every Sunday for church, even if it meant hand-smocking dresses and sewing up a storm. She enjoyed crafts and creating beautiful things. Once her children were grown, Ida ventured onto new things and decided to open a store. She operated the “Traditional Touch” gift store at the Sutton Park Mall in Kincardine for 17 years. The store became a team effort for Ida and John; she created beautiful wreaths, dried flower arrangements and such to sell in the store, while John crafted beautiful quilt racks, calendar frames and small furniture. Ida was a strong-willed and determined woman who did not enjoy sitting still. She strived to be busy, have fun, and worked toward goals her entire life. Her many accomplishments were achieved through her sheer determination and faith in God. Survived by her half-brother, Brian Mayhew; her son, Ron Stephens (Ardis Nicholson); and daughters, Donna Coughlan (Paul Zelickowski), Gail (Brian MacKay) and Karen (Greg McDonald). Ida was Nanny/Grandma to seven grandchildren, Blaine Farrell (Kristen Plouffe), Blair Farrell (Bronwyn), Alysia (Keith Foulds), Amanda Riggin, Leahanne Mackay, Kristen (Jamie Brown) and Jamie McDonald (Robin). Sadly missed by her 13 great-grandchildren, Adele, Maddax, Miyah, J.J, Emma, Kara, Chloe, Julia, Hailey, Alexis, William, Brayden and Kai. Also very much missed by her little dog, Sophie. She is predeceased by her husband, John Stephens; parents, Harry and Emily (née Richard) Mayhew; siblings, Wellington, Denzil, Melvin, Emile, (baby brother), Gertrude and Doris; and grandchildren, Cherie and Nadia. The family recognizes the special love and life-long friendship of Muriel Cole, Betty Veigli, Dorothy Rackley and Lila Stansfield. A sincere expression of gratitude to Cathy Pennington and the staff of Rosewood RVilla Retirement Home for their personal care and support of Ida. A special thank you to every dedicated health-care worker who was involved with Ida’s care over the years. Our appreciation to Pastor Steve Gordon and Pastor Eric Watson for their many visits to mom’s home and the hospital, most recently, and over the years. A private family service will be held at the Davey Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine. Interment, Kincardine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Lighthouse Fellowship Baptist Church, Kincardine.