Joan (Joanie) Stephens, 79, of Sioux City, passed gracefully away on September 22, 2021. A Celebration of Life Open House will be Monday, September 27, 2021 from 5-7 pm at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Avenue.

Joanie was born to Laura and Bill Lefler, who would go on to have nine more children, making Joanie the oldest of ten siblings. She married Bill Stephens in 1965. Together, they enjoyed bowling, and also loved to go square dancing and ballroom dancing, and were excellent at both. After Bill's passing in 2013, Joanie continued to participate in many dance activities at the Senior Center. Joanie was also an avid bingo player and a fun partner at the game. She loved to make us "envision the numbers" when playing with her, which was often surprisingly followed by BINGO!

Joanie's true passion was her grand and great-grandchildren. She was an amazing grandma, a constant in the lives of all of her "grandbabies." Children were naturally drawn to her, and she met them with open arms, plenty of love, snuggles and giggles. In recent times she loved to sit on her deck and watch as they swam and played in the backyard. Her grandbabies were truly the light in her eyes.

The joy and love Joanie brought to our lives remains. We are comforted knowing she was welcomed home by loving family members who preceded her, and especially comforted knowing she is dancing once again with her husband, Bill, the love of her life.

Joan is survived by her children Laura (Rob) Gmeiner of Florida, Peggy (Larry) Franks of Missiouri, Theresa (John) Klemish, of Sioux City, IA and Tom (Tiffany) Stephens also of Sioux City, IA; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Jerry (Beth) Lefler, Jackie (John) McKeever, Julie Benz, and Cindy (Harold) Janke; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband Bill; her parents; her brothers Willy, Wally, Mike and David; and her sister Mary.