Ladonna Stephens, 85
Ladonna Ross Stephens was born Aug. 31, 1940, in Red Oak, daughter of Sander and Mildred (Slater) Ross, and passed away at her home in Henderson on May 3, 2026. She went to several schools as her parents moved to different farms and graduated from Henderson High School in 1958. She married her high school sweetheart, Gary Stephens, on Nov. 20, 1960.
From this union three children were born, Lynnette of Henderson; Lori Unis (Jerry) of Santa Ana, Calif.; and Mark (Nicole) of Henderson. Ladonna was a member, deaconess and treasurer of the Henderson Christian Church, taught Sunday school, vacation Bible school and Bible class. She was a devoted farm wife and enjoyed traveling to see her twin grandsons in California and cherished having her other three grandchildren living close by.
Ladonna took pleasure in square dancing with the Henderson Grand Squares for many years, attending her kids’ school activities, sewing, the flowers she planted around the house, playing cards with friends and family, and family get togethers. She was a member of the Nishna Valley Women’s Club and Just Us Girls Club. After raising her family, Ladonna worked at the Farm Bureau office in Malvern and then worked for 12 years as manager of the Macedonia branch of the Treynor State Bank.
Ladonna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gary; brothers, Jack Ross and Clark Ross; sister, Barb Stille; and brother-in-law, Bob Stille. Ladonna is survived by her three children, Lynnette, Lori and Mark, grandchildren, Garrison Unis of Fort Collins, Colo.; Max Unis of Santa Ana, Calif.; Aaron, Evan and Audrey Stephens of Henderson; brother, Norman Ross of Red Oak; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Henderson Christian Church. Burial will be in the Emerson Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak. Memorials are suggested to the Henderson Christian Church or the Henderson Volunteer Fire Department.
LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.