Stephanie Mae Delp

Stephanie Mae Delp, known as Steph by her loving husband of 56 years Richard (Dick), was taken into the Lord’s embrace from her Lakewood, Colorado home on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Stephanie spent her final day doing things she loved with people she loved. Her last humanly act, before laying down to sleep, was playing pinochle with her family. Stephanie was a gracious fighter, who won her 30+ year battle with heart disease, but unfortunately was taken from us by cancer. While Stephanie leaves behind many who loved her, she can finally hold her precious daughters, Stacey Marie and Cheryl LeAnne who preceded her to heaven.

Stephanie was born on December 11, 1947 in Bishop, California to her father James Irwin and Mother Dorthy Dalrymyle. She spent her early childhood years in Montrose, Colorado and then moved to Vernal, Utah where she attended and graduated high school. During her school years, Stephanie won numerous orator awards, was awarded a full scholarship to attend nursing school, participated in 4H, dedicated herself to the Baptist faith, and was invited to meet her favorite president, John F. Kennedy, due to her superior writing skills. She continued to work her way through life and it was as a waitress, at the A&W restaurant, in Vernal, Utah that she met her life partner Richard Delp driving a red convertible impala super sport. The two dated for only 2 months before being wed in Montrose, Colorado on September 3, 1966.

Stephanie spent the first part of her 56 years with Dick moving around the western United States supporting his USGS career until they settled in Milpitas, California in 1976. It was here that she started her career as an accomplished retail professional, first working part time and then working her way up to manage her own department. As a working mother, Stephanie always put her two girls first and spent countless hours supporting them by being a girl scout troop leader, class parent volunteer, and always making every effort to make their childhood a magical one. In 1988 the USGS moved their family to Denver, Colorado. Stephanie continued her career in Denver till finally retiring with a full pension.

Stephanie’s love of small children took her out of retirement to enter her second career as a preschool teacher at Primrose. This was not a job but a labor of love that allowed her to see, help and spend time with two of her most cherished people, grandson, Duncan and grand daughter, Alyssa. For many years Stephanie would drive 45 minutes in each direction during sun, snow, ice or any weather to be there everyday for Duncan and Alyssa. Her love for them and young at heart spirit, could be seen over the years in her volunteer work for March of Dimes, her numerous trips to Disney with family, and her countless hours spent crocheting blankets for babies and seniors with her sewing circle. Following her 2nd retirement from teaching, Stephanie once again shared her amazing spirit with her grandson, Tyler. Stephanie was the first person to ever see, hold, talk or love on Tyler when he entered the world. Despite being half a country away, Stephanie’s love and positive spirit was always present in Tyler’s life. As Stephanie had helped Tyler into the world, Tyler was the last one Yia Yia (Stephanie) spoke to saying, “Thank you Tyler, I love you.”

Stephanie is survived by her devoted husband Dick, along with their two loving daughters; Kari (Leith) Brayer children Duncan and Alyssa; Kelly (John) Rodda, children Lauren, Brooke, John and Tyler. She will be greatly missed for everything about her, especially her beautiful Christmas cards, her stunning blue eyes, and her ever present smile that beamed like sunshine letting you know you were loved.

Please join us in celebrating Stephanie’s life Saturday morning July 8, 2023, between 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N Douty St, Hanford, California. There will be a viewing for close family and friends on July 7, 2023 between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.