Avon E. Stephens, 86, of Bluffton, was called home to be with the Lord Friday Aug. 9, 2013, following a brief illness. She was born May 27, 1927, in Huntington County to Everett and Ruth Birney Lund. She grew up on the family farm near Markle. She was married to Harry Stephens in Markle Nov. 19, 1948. She graduated from Union High School in Huntington County. She was a homemaker and an LPN for several years. Avon and Harry farmed in the Markle area for many years, eventually purchasing a farm northeast of Markle. They enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and were particularly moved by a trip to the Holy Land. Avon was a member of the Markle United Methodist Church and joyfully served the Lord through Lay Witness Missions. Her love for others and gift of hospitality reflected her devotion to Christ. She always had a thoughtful word of affirmation for those around her. Avon was active in healthcare as an LPN, and used her skills, too, in helping aging family members and volunteering in Florida. Avon and Harry later moved to Florida for most of each year where they owned property at Lake Placid. Avon loved to entertain family and friends at their lake front home. The kitchen was always filled with the aroma of fresh pies and cookies, along with full, hearty meals. In recent years Avon and Harry moved to Bluffton. After the loss of Harry in 2011, Avon became a resident at River Terrace Estates, where she enjoyed many new friends and participated in chapel and Bible studies. She continued to attend Bluffton United Methodist Church, too, as she was able. Avon's life was always centered on her love for family, including parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was to have family gatherings and make sure all were well fed. Avon was preceded in death by her husband Harry on Oct. 20, 2011. She is survived by her twin sister, Erma Redding of Wells County; and children, Kent (Linda) Stephens of Dublin, Ohio, and Patti (Ernie) Beck of Craigville; grandchildren, Kendra (Anthony) Elkins of Pickerington, Ohio, and Joel (Megan) Stephens of Hilliard, Ohio; and great-grandchildren, Jude Elkins, Jadon Elkins, Sullivan Stephens and Sawyer Stephens. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, at Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton with Pastor Jerry Qualls and Pastor Greg Rittenhouse officiating. Calling hours are from 1 p.m. to 3 pm. prior to the service. Burial will be at the Markle Cemetery. Family requests that instead of flowers, donations are made to the Family Life Care of Berne. Online condolences at: www.thegmcfamily.com