Forrest: Raymond Shelby Stephens, 84, Forrest died at 1:20pm Monday, April 2, 2007 at Asta Care Center, Pontiac.

Funeral services will be 11:00am Thursday, April 5, 2007 at the United Methodist Church, Forrest with the Rev. Dennis Powers officiating. Burial will be at Sunny Slope Cemetery, Saunemin. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00pm Wednesday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and 10:00 to 10:45am Thursday at the church.

Mr. Stephens was born February 16, 1923 at Chatsworth. The son of Shelby and Clella (Perkins) Stephens. He married Luella Waibel March 10, 1945. She survives at Forrest. Also surviving are his children: Jim (Suzi) Stephens, Linda (Bill)Johnston, both of Bloomington, Duane (Jeri Nell) Stephens, Lees Summit, MO, Denny (Pam) Stephens, Forrest, and Lori Tollensdorf (fiancé Chuck Power), Fairbury. Two brothers: Donald (Marjorie) Stephens, Fairbury, Tom (Carolyn) Stephens, Forrest, four sisters: Hazel Honzik, Seminole, FL, Mary Ruth Ricketts, and Shirley (Bernard) Brucker, both of Fairbury, and Phyllis (Don) Fortna, Pontiac. One sister-in-law: Olive "Sis" Stephens, Fairbury.

Eight grandchildren: Jennifer (John) Kinsella, Jason Stephens, Jenna and Chelsea Tollensdorf, Mark Stephens, Shelby Stephens, Dayton (Joni) Kilgus and Hayley Kilgus. Five great grandchildren: Parker Stephens, Mackenzie, Fiona, and Alana Kinsella, and Adeline Kilgus.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Vernon Stephens and one grandson, Justin Stephens.

Mr. Stephens farmed and was a rural mail carrier. He also owned and operated Steve's Tap in Saunemin in the late sixties. He also had been employed by the Illinois Department of Transportation for many years. Mr. Stephens retired from the postal department in 1989 but continued to farm until his death.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge; Ethel's Lodge and was formerly a member of the Elks Lodge and Indian Creek Country Club.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the United Methodist Church, Forrest or to the charity of the donor's choice.