Elizabeth Crane Stephenson, 44, passed this life on March 8, 2026, in Marietta, Oklahoma, following an extended illness.

Elizabeth was born April 20, 1981, in Joplin, Missouri, to Michael Stephenson and Lynne Siple. She grew up in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, graduating from high school in 1999, where she was active in varsity tennis, musicals, and operetta.

In 2004, Elizabeth earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After graduation, she moved to Chicago, where she worked in the hospitality industry at several highly regarded restaurants.

In 2014, Elizabeth moved to Norman, Oklahoma, and later settled in Ardmore in 2017. There, she became active in the community, especially in helping animals. Elizabeth possessed a deeply creative spirit. She was a gifted writer and, in 2016, published a book of poetry. She also created pottery, handcrafted jewelry, silk floral arrangements, and other décor items, which she sold locally and through Etsy.

Those who knew Elizabeth remember her intelligence, quick humor, creativity, and deep compassion for others. She had a passion for life and a generous heart. Elizabeth often said that her love language was giving gifts, and she delighted in surprising family and friends with thoughtful expressions of affection.

Elizabeth is survived by her father, the Rev. Mike Stephenson of Ardmore, Oklahoma; her mother, Lynne Glathaar, and stepfather, Kent Smith, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; her brother, Phillip Stephenson and his children, Katherine and Paul, all of Prairie Village, Kansas; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and the many cats she dearly loved. She was preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 18, at 10:00 a.m. in Craddock Memorial Chapel with Dr. Ken Willy officiating.

The family requests that memorials be made to Ardmore Animal Care, 321 Carol Brown Drive, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401.