Joella Lehrman Stephenson, 77, of Rockford, Ohio died at 4:38 p.m. at Van Wert County Hospital.

She was born in Allen County, Indiana on March 13, 1940, the daughter of Paul F. and Mabel (Schlemmer) Lehrman. She married Larry Stephenson, and he survives outside of Rockford.

Joella graduated from Monroeville High School, and had lived the past 57 years in the Rockford area. She was a very active member in the Chattanooga United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Chattanooga United Methodist Women's Organization; Secretary of the State organization for United Methodist Women, Lima District; Sunday School and Bible School teacher for many years and also went out into the area to minister to the children who weren't fortunate enough to come to church. She also was the organist for the church for many years.

Joella was co-owner of Stephenson Home Improvement, working with her husband, Larry. Joella enjoyed taking care of her beautiful flowers; she loved traveling with Larry; and most of all, she loved her grandchildren, and would say prayers for all the family every night.

Surviving in addition to her husband Larry are five children: Paula (Dr. Herb) Schumm, Loveland, Ohio; Dr. Elizabeth Stephenson, Daytona Beach, Florida; Scott Stephenson, Hamilton, Ohio; Lisa (Jay) Hunter, Willshire, Ohio; and Luke Stephenson, Rockford, Ohio; nine grandchildren: Mallory Schumm, Kaycie Fegley, Jake Schumm, Logan Hunter, Lucy (Jake) Benjamin, Justin Fegley, Marissa Hunter, Sam Stephenson, and Brooke Stephenson; and two great-grandchildren. One sister, Joyce Hambrock of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Deceased is an infant son, Jeffrey Gene Stephenson, one brother, Donald Lehrman, and a twin sister, Noella Moore.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 12, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chattanooga Methodist Church, St. Rte. 49, Rockford, with Pastor Tom Brunstrup officiating. Burial will follow in Buck Cemetery, Celina.

Friends may call on Saturday at the church from 9-11 a.m.

Memorials may be directed to the church.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com. Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford has been entrusted with Joella's services.