Stephanie Stubbs' Obituary
Stephanie Stubbs was born in Seoul, Korea on July 9, 1969 to Paul and Ann (Donker) Stubbs while they were Missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene. She was adored and cherished by her parents, who were her biggest fans. Adoration became mutual love, spiritual mentorship, and great friendship as Stephanie grew into adulthood. When their health required it, she lovingly cared for both her parents until their passing.
In 1975, when Stephanie was six, her parents returned to the States where her elementary years were spent in Vicksburg, Michigan and later in the Chicago area. When Compassion International (Paul’s employer) moved headquarters, Paul, Ann, and Stephanie relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado. This began a lifelong love of Colorado that grew out of their love for nature. The family enjoyed outdoor living, spending many weekends at the Garden of the Gods with breathtaking views and sunsets. Stephanie particularly enjoyed hiking and exploring with her dog Princess, even though rock heights caused her father considerable anxiety. She had many happy memories during this period. She attended Colorado Springs Christian School from 6th through 12th grades, where she developed both scholastically and spiritually, graduating in 1987. CSCS also provided gifts of friendship among a student body made up largely of world-traveled missionary families like her own.
Stephanie’s passion for ice skating started while she lived in Chicago and continued at the Broadmoor Skating Rink in Colorado Springs. She appreciated the artistry of skating with its beauty and elegance. She enjoyed many years of skating, taking private lessons, performing seasonal shows with her skate club, and meeting a few Olympic medalists.
Stephanie attended MidAmerica Nazarene College in Olathe, Kansas, getting her BA in a double major of History and Comprehensive Social Studies. Pursuing her dream of politics, she wrote for the college newspaper, The Conestoga, and aided several political campaigns for state house and senate races. MidAmerica’s student body elected her as Sr. Class Representative for World Awareness on campus. After graduating in 1991, Stephanie completed her student teaching in social sciences at the secondary education level in Olathe. Although she enjoyed the Christian College atmosphere and striking up new friendships in Kansas City, she was homesick for her parents, her dog Jubal and the “Springs,” so she returned home to Colorado.
Stephanie fed her love of reading by working at Waldon Books for several years. Although starting in Colorado Springs, this job carried her back to Kansas City and then to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was an Assistant Manager when Waldon’s closed in 2001. Stephanie then developed her administrative talents at Oral Roberts University (ORU), and a retirement village, before finding a new, fulfilling career with State Farm in 2005. She enjoyed being a problem-solver, supporting the wireless group across the US. When State Farm transferred her office to St. Louis, Stephanie was saddened to let the work go after 13 years, but she had too many strong ties by then in Tulsa with her loving parents, friends and church family.
From 2018 to 2020, the Lord tested Stephanie. She was recovering from back surgery when her beloved dad died; her pet Wynston then passed, and a few short months later she received a diagnosis of Cancer. With the help of a new, fury, four-legged friend Thatcher, Stephanie bravely completed her cancer treatments, thanking God for the remission and the strength to help her mother endure the last years of life, even when Stephanie was ill herself. Stephanie fought the remaining health problems by attending a swim class that brought her a lot of happiness with a new circle of friends and by being a member of Regency Park Church of the Nazarene. She was known as the first to volunteer for church dinners to setup, always early, loyal, and ready to serve. She enjoyed her Sunday School classmates and the opportunity to share her opinions, a witty retort, and occasionally a lively theological discussion.
Stephanie passed away on July 14th, just a few days after her 57th birthday and only three fleeting weeks after her diagnoses of an aggressive form of Leukemia (AML). She showed strength and courage her final days, taking time to reassure friends of her decision to not fight the cancer with further treatments. She was at peace, eager for her journey to heaven, seeing her Savior and joining her parents. Stephanie would comment that she had experienced two lifetimes already, considering her extensive travels with her parents, visiting numerous countries and National Parks. Her favorite trips included journeys to Australia, the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon in Utah. She was kindhearted toward most animals, especially her “four legged” children, sharing many happy memories with her doggies.
In lieu of flowers we request gifts are sent to John 3:16 Mission in Stephanie’s name, P.O. Box 1477, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145 or to Puppy Haven Rescue, 12800 S. Memorial Drive, Bixby, OK 74008, https://puppyhavenrescue.com. They would also request your presence, if possible, at a memorial service for Stephanie at Regency Park Church of the Nazarene on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
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