Charles Stephenson

Charles L. Stephenson, 94, of Chattanooga, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at the Laurels of Shane Hill, where he was a patient. He was born January 5, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, where his father and mother had moved, so that his dad could work on the Model T for Henry Ford. A few years later, the family moved to the Chatt area, which became his life-long home. He was a graduate of the Rockford High School Class of 1945. On February 19, 1949, he married the love of his life, Anna Lee Hoenie, who preceded him in death on June 20, 2018. Together they worked on their farm and raised their three children: Jane, Judy, and Michael. Charles was a faithful member of the Chattanooga United Methodist Church in Chattanooga. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved to farm the land; Charles was a really big Duke University basketball fan! Charles served his country as a proud member of the Merchant Marines.
Surviving are his children: Jane (Philip) Suzuki of Rockford, Ohio; Judy (Kirby) Stetler of Celina, Ohio; and Michael (Janice) Stephenson of Fort Wayne, Indiana; 6 grandchildren: Tyler (Cindy) Suzuki, Matthew (Tami) Suzuki, Jessica (Troy) Temple, Sarah (Theo) Belcher, Zachary (Molly) Stephenson, and Susan (Kreshnik) Seiti; and 17 great grandchildren. Two brothers and one sister also survive: Larry Stephenson of Rockford, Ohio; Jerry (Norma) Stephenson of Denver, Colorado; and Virginia Clegg of Durham, North Carolina. Deceased in addition to his parents and wife are two brothers, Richard and Marlin Stephenson.
Private services for the family will be held Saturday, October 31, 2020, at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio, with Pastor Tom Brunstrup officiating. Burial will follow at Buck Cemetery, Celina, Ohio. Memorials may be directed to the Chattanooga United Methodist Church. Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com
Family members attending are asked to be vigilant and respect the well-being of the other family members, especially those who are most vulnerable. We ask that those attending observe social distancing, refrain from close physical contact, and wear facial coverings as required by state mandate.