Stephanie D. Burns Mason Obituary

Funeral services for Stephanie D. Mason, 69, who passed away Friday, December 14, 2018, surrounded by family after a two-year battle with glioblastoma, will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 19, at Assumption Parish, Churchville, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery, Churchville.

Stephanie was born on September 4, 1949 to Joan (Bussanmas) and Larry Bailiff, Sr. in Marshalltown, Iowa. She was raised in Wick, IA and attended Martensdale – St. Mary’s schools, graduating with the class of 1967.

In 1968, Stephanie married Larry Burns and the couple had two daughters, Tammy and Chris. The family resided in the Indianola and Russell, IA areas. Stephanie was primarily a homemaker and later the secretary at Russell Community School. She influenced many young people as a 4-H leader and catechism teacher.

In 1992, Stephanie re-married to Jim Mason. This added step-children Jon, Yvonne, Mark and Jeri to the family along with special nephew Nathan. The couple resided in Russell, IA; Biggsville, IL; and Cameron, IL before retiring to Indianola, IA. They wintered in Harlingen, TX for many years, enjoying many community cook-offs and other gatherings.

The couple enjoyed golfing and volunteered at the John Deere Classic golf tournament. Stephanie may be best remembered for her handwork. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all sleep well under blankets, afghans, and quilts she stitched with love. Her perfect, made-from-scratch crescent rolls and pies will be missed at family gatherings.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her father, Larry Bailiff, Sr.; step-son, Mark Kautz; and infant grandchild, Cody Bruce. She is survived by mother, Joan Bailiff, of St. Charles, IA; brothers Larry (Pam) Bailiff, Jr. and Jim (Barbara) Bailiff both of Des Moines, IA; husband, Jim Mason, of Indianola, IA; daughters Tammy (Brad Woodhouse) of Minneapolis, MN and Chris (Bob Riggs) of Indianola, IA; step-son Jon (Kristine) Kautz of Creston, IA; step-daughter, Jeri Mason of Leon, IA; and special nephew, Nathan (Mary) Woosley of St. Charles, IA. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Mike and Maren Woodhouse; Hannah and Katelyn Riggs; Bret (Melyssa), Jaaron, and Kelsi Kautz; Anna and Blaze Bruce; Mason, Evan, and Kaylin Woosley; and two great-grandchildren: Eslie and Dawsyn Kautz.