Hilda J. (Chastain) Stephen

Hilda J. (Chastain) Stephen, age 96 of Judyville, IN passed away on February 3, 2021 at Franciscan East in Lafayette. Hilda was born on March 22, 1924 in Salem, IN. She was the daughter of Clint and Stella (Gilstrap) Chastain. Hilda was a 1942 graduate of Oxford High School. She was raised in Oxford, IN and resided in Benton County. Hilda and Wayne lived in Boswell for several years where they raised chickens and Wayne worked at a filling station. They moved to Warren County in 1949 and had resided there since. Hilda married Wayne Hayes Stephen on February 21, 1943 at the Oxford Christian Church and he preceded her in death on June 13, 2005. During World War II, Hilda and her sister worked at a military base. She then worked at Purdue University in the medical department that took care of student athletes. Hilda worked at Howard Johnson’s for many years. She was a landowner and was still very active in Crossroad Farms. Hilda was a member of the Hickman Heights Christian Church. She was a song-leader and sang at several local churches during their church revivals. Hilda was a passionate Miami Heat fan. She enjoyed summers and spending time on Lake Shafer, where she owned a summer home with her husband Wayne for over 40 years. Hilda enjoyed spending the winter season at her Key Largo home for over 50 years. She especially enjoyed when her family and friends came to visit. Hilda took great pride in sending her family punctual birthday cards. Surviving are, 2 sons, Dennis W. Stephen (Mickey) of Williamsport, IN and Terry G. Stephen (Carolyn) of Marshall, IL; 7 grandchildren, Travis W. Stephen of rural Williamsport, IN, D. Mark Stephen (Kris) of rural Williamsport, IN, Aaron L. Stephen (Farrah) of Greenwood, IN, Renee Petrie (Jon) of rural Lafayette, IN, Derek C. Stephen (Alisha) of Lafayette, IN, Angela Martinez (Tony) of Singapore, and Ryan Stephen of Marshall, IL; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-nephew; 1 great-great-granddaughter Hilda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne; 2 sons, Reggy H. Stephen and Eric Lynn Stephen; 1 brother; and 7 sisters. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at the Hickman Heights Christian Church from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. with Tom Swanson and Pastor Ian Costandi officiating. Interment will follow at Boswell Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hickman Heights Christian Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gradyfuneralhome.com.