A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
Tammy Stephens of Alta, passed away Oct. 23, 2026, surrounded by her family at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. She was 65.
Tamyah “Tammy” J. Stephens was born Nov. 1, 1961, to Garlan and Helen McGowan. In her early years she was in bluebirds and then campfire girls. She spent time with friends and enjoyed fishing with her parents and two sisters. She liked entering things in 4-H at the fair, such as baked goods and sewing projects.
As a young adult she married and was blessed with three sons. She was divorced a few years later. Her boys kept her very busy and so did her work. One night, out with a friend, Doug Stephens asked her to dance and the rest is history. They married July 3, 1984, and were blessed with a daughter.
Tammy was an incredible seamstress, made crafting anything look simple and liked to cook and bake all while working full-time. She recently retired but got a seasonal job at Santa’s Castle where she loved seeing all the kids. In the summer she liked staying home, sewing and doing different types of crafting. She enjoyed camping trips with Doug and her two dogs and was doing craft shows. She loved her family unconditionally and was always there for them.
A beautiful soul who left us too soon, she is survived by her husband of 42 years, Doug Stephens; her children: Christopher Briggs, Josh Briggs (Misty), Nicholas Briggs and Sarah Mendenhall (Aaron); grandchildren: Brandi and Braydon Briggs; Chelsey Nordstrom (Jordan Canesi); Dayton Briggs (Tiffany); Craig Briggs (Amelia); Tristin, Alexis, Bailey, Bella and Jesse Briggs; Aiden Steemke; and Aria Mendenhal; two great-grandchildren and one on the way; and her sisters, Debbie Hartsock (Darry) and Lauri Fulkerth (Mark Miller).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Garlan and Helen McGowan.
A celebration of life will be Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1-5 p.m. at Doug and Tammy’s home in Alta.
