Colleen Kae Stephenson, 71, of Mountain Home, AR, passed away peacefully on the evening of Friday, November 28, 2025. Born on December 30, 1953, in Rockford, IL, to Garth and Clara Sheley, Colleen spent her early years in Rockford before moving to her beloved Mountain Home in the 8th grade. She graduated from Mountain Home High School with the Class of 1973. Colleen lived a life marked by deep commitment to the people around her and to her Cartney/Buford community.
At the age of 23, she met the love of her life and soulmate, Bill Stephenson, with whom she shared the next 49 years. Together, they operated Whiteriver Pottery, were active in the Arkansas Craft Guild, and were well-known in the art community. Colleen, a talented basket weaver, gave classes during those years and shared her artistic gifts generously.
She was fiercely dedicated to the Mountain Home Business and Professional Women (BPW) organization. Her contributions were vast: she was selected as Woman of the Year for 1995/1996, served as President in 1997/1998, and chaired many committees including By-Laws, Audits, Rummage Sales, and the Political Action Committee for the BPW-Arkansas. Most of all, she chaired the BPW Omelet Brunch, where she was affectionately known as “Sarge.” Additionally, she served as Parliamentarian for most of her years in the organization. Colleen poured 150% of herself into every community event she participated in, always giving generously of her time, talents, and heart.
More than her accomplishments, Colleen will be remembered for the way she lived. She used her natural artistic abilities to the fullest-painting signs, poster boards, and character cutouts; creating jewelry; painting wine glasses; and applying her creative touch to countless other activities. She was also known for her exceptional baked goods, donating them-and her artwork-liberally to any benefit she supported. Colleen loved to read, play tennis, travel, and cook. She and Bill raised many Airedales over the years, each one adding joy and companionship to their lives.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Bill Stephenson; her sisters, Darcie Didden (Joseph Didden) and Doreen Plimmer (Bill Plimmer); her brother, Steve Sheley (Marsha Sheley); her sister-in-law, Cali Sheley (the late Glenn Sheley); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. Each will forever hold a piece of her spirit, her humor, and her boundless love.
Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Garth and Clara Sheley; her sister, Joann Sheley; her brother, Glenn Sheley; her mother-in-law, Mary Stephenson; and her brother-in-law, Hugh Stephenson.
A Celebration of Life honoring Colleen will be held at Kirby and Family Funeral Home, 600 Hospital Drive, Mountain Home, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 6, 2025, with Heather Marsalis officiating as Celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a cause Colleen was passionate about.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge 239 Turpentine Creek Lane Eureka Springs, AR 72632.
Click here to visit the Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services website and sign the guest book.
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