Obituary: Harold Stephens and Lucile Stephens

Lucile Ann (Armstrong) Stephens

July 22, 1935 – September 14, 2026

Together in life, together in faith, and together again in eternity.

Harold L. Stephens and Lucile Ann (Armstrong) Stephens, longtime residents of Dufur, Oregon, passed away just two days apart — Harold on Sept. 12, 2026, and Lucile on Sept. 14, 2026.

After 46 years of marriage, their family finds great comfort in knowing that they were not separated for long. We believe Harold simply went ahead, and Lucile was not far behind.

Both Harold and Lucile were strong Christians whose faith was an important part of who they were. Their lives were centered around family, faith, community, service, and the people they loved. Together, they built a life deeply rooted in the Dufur community, where they spent all 46 years of their marriage.

Lucile Stephens

Lucile Ann Armstrong was born July 22, 1935, in Dufur to Harold and Maxine (Teagarden) Armstrong. She was raised in Dufur alongside her brothers, Joe and George, and graduated from Dufur High School in 1953.

Lucile worked as a homemaker and bank teller and was active in organizations that reflected her love for her community and its history. She was a member of the Dufur Historical Society, Wasco County Pioneers, American Legion Auxiliary, and Ramsey Grange.

Lucile had a deep and abiding love for local history. The Dufur community and the history of Celilo Falls were especially near and dear to her heart. She treasured the stories, people, traditions, and places that connected generations to the area she had always called home.

She also loved gardening, and enjoyed collecting a wide variety of things. One of her greatest gifts to her family, however, was preserving their heritage. Lucile made certain that each of her children knew where they came from by carefully assembling a trunk full of scrapbooks, photographs, and childhood memories for each of them. She understood the importance of remembering where you came from and wanted those stories to continue through future generations.

Harold Stephens

Harold L. Stephens was born Feb. 3, 1936, in Oberlin, Kansas, to Harry and Golda (Bower) Stephens. He was the youngest of five boys and had one younger sister.

Harold attended school in Des Moines, Iowa, through the fourth grade before his family moved to Oregon. He then attended a one-room country school from fifth through eighth grade before attending Dallas High School, where he graduated in 1954.

Following high school, Harold attended Oregon College of Education and Treaty Oaks Community College.

Harold spent his entire working career in the aluminum industry, beginning with Harvey Aluminum in 1958. He later worked for Martin Marietta, Commonwealth Aluminum, Northwest Aluminum, and Kaiser Aluminum. During the final years of his career, he worked as a consultant internationally, including assignments in Iceland, Germany, and Russia.

After accepting Christ as his Savior, Harold became active in ministry. He served through The Dalles Assembly of God, New Covenant of Grace in Punta Banda, Mexico, and Dufur Christian Church. He loved studying his bible and writing sermons.

Harold was active in athletics throughout his entire life. He played football, wrestled, and played baseball. Later, he gave back to the sport he loved by umpiring baseball from Little League through high school levels. He especially enjoyed supporting and watching Dufur School athletic teams and had a genuine love for young people.

Harold also enjoyed woodworking in his shop and often built things for Lucile and his many grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and treasured time outdoors.

In 1955, Harold married Mary Sue Rippee. Together they had three sons, Larry, Terry, and Mark. They also took in two foster children, Louie and Sarah Ike. Mary Sue passed away in November 1976.

Their life together

On Feb. 4, 1979, Harold married Lucile Armstrong Mead and moved to Dufur.

Together, Harold and Lucile created a home and a life centered around faith, family, and community. Both were members of Dufur Christian Church, and their Christian faith remained an important foundation throughout their marriage.

For 46 years, they shared life together in the Dufur community. They supported one another, served their church and community, enjoyed their many family members, and watched their family grow through the generations.

In recent months, health challenges led Harold and Lucile to Flagstone Care Facility. Even as their circumstances changed, the bond they shared remained strong.

After 46 years of marriage, their family takes comfort in knowing that their separation lasted only two days.

Their faith in Jesus Christ gave them hope throughout their lives, and that same faith gives their family hope now. We find comfort in believing that Harold and Lucile are together again in the presence of their Lord and Savior, free from pain and sickness and no longer separated by the struggles of this earthly life.

Their earthly journey together lasted 46 years. Their separation lasted only two days. And because of their faith, we believe their story does not end here.

Those who went before them

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Golda Stephens; his brothers, Harry, Carl, Gail, Larry, and Roy; his first wife, Mary Sue “Sue” Rippee; and his foster son, Louie.

Lucile was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Maxine Armstrong, and her brother, Joe Armstrong.

Harold and Lucile were also preceded in death by two beloved grandsons, Timothy and Kyle.

Those left to cherish their memory

Harold and Lucile are survived by their children and family: Mark (Debbie) Stephens of Idaho; Terry (Audrey) Stephens of The Dalles, Larry Stephens; Margi (Steve) Tipton of Silverton, Eldon (Shirline) Mead of The Dalles, Bill (Kim) Mead of Maupin and Joe (Laurie) Mead of Soldotna, Alaska, and foster daughter Sarah Ike of Warm Springs.

They are also survived by Harold’s sister, Judy Osborne of Cascade Locks, Oregon; sister-in-law Vivian Stephens, Albany, Oregon; sister-in-law Gaile Armstrong of The Dalles; and brother George (Candy) Armstrong of The Dalles.

Their greatest earthly legacy is the family they leave behind: 31 grandchildren and 63 great-grandchildren, each carrying forward a piece of their story, their love, and their faith.

In lieu of flowers

Memorial contributions may be made to Dufur Christian Church or the Dufur Historical Society, two organizations that reflect the things that were especially important to Harold and Lucile — their Christian faith and their love for the history and community of Dufur.

A joint memorial service will take place at Dufur Christian Church, 315 NE Harrison St., Dufur, on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. A meal will be hosted by the family with a dessert potluck to follow in the church basement.

After 46 years together, they were separated for only two days.

You are together forever—and forever in our hearts.

Columbia Gorge News, Sept. 30, 2026