Julia Stephens Obituary

Julia Warylia Kohut "Julie" Stephens

May 9, 1927 - December 21, 2024

Julie Stephens met our gracious and loving God at 9:56 p.m. Saturday December 21, passing away peacefully in Valparaiso with family present. She was 97 years old.

While always petite, Julie played larger-than-life roles in parental, friendship, social and volunteer circles. People loved and admired her as a woman of strong character and principles. She cheerfully pitched in and did her share and more for the cause. Above all else, Julie was a shining example of a wife and mother who dearly loved her family and always put them first.

Julie was born in Hammond in 1927 to Wasyl and Katarina (Gut) Kohut, who both emigrated from the Ukraine and first met at a dance in Chicago. She lived nearly her entire life in Hammond, attending Maywood Elementary, Hammond High (1945) and Purdue University (1949). In 1951 she married the love of her life, the late Ray Stephens, also a Hammond High and Purdue grad. They had five children and were married more than 72 years.

Julie and her brother Andy grew up bilingual on Morris Street, speaking Ukrainian at home and English at school. She had another brother Sam, who died as an infant. Her humble parents worked exhausting jobs for many years as manual laborers. They engrained in her the old-country work ethic and a strong belief in education, putting her through college.

After college, Julie taught English, and she invited the whole class to her wedding. That career ended early when she started raising children in a small, forever home along River Drive. She then devoted her life to family as a full-time wife, homemaker, homework aide, carpooler, supporter of Girl Scouts, sports, music et al activities. She taught her children values through steady involvement, encouragement, and guidance. With love, perseverance and frugality, Julie and Ray paid college costs for all five kids, including medical school for their youngest.

Julie embraced several non-parental roles: poll worker, Tri Kappa, Panhellenic Council, Chi Omega, and a homemade childhood group called Phi Sparketta. She and Ray loved supporting theater arts, singing, dancing, Purdue, bridge club, motorcycling (before and after children, well into their 80s), and Hobie Cat sailing. Our family revered her cooking for 6+ decades until she 'retired' to twice daily treks with dad to local restaurants across the Calumet Region, becoming well-known regulars at many. We pray she and dad are together now dining, dancing and laughing in heaven.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, husband, and extended family members. She is survived by five children Jill (Steve), Alan (Judy), Elaine (Ken), Bill (Sue), and Kay (Irv); eight grandchildren and step grandchildren Tom, Julianna, Dustin, Ryan, Gordon, Daniel, Courtney, and Tessa; 16 great grandchildren and step great grandchildren, one great-great step grandchild, and extended family.

A private family gathering will be held to remember our amazing matriarch, with no public services planned. Donations honoring Julie and made to the charity of your choice are welcome.