Annetta Stephens
Obituary
Dora Annetta Stephens, age 88, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, in Orangevale, California.
Born on December 4, 1937, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, Annetta was the daughter of Arretta Dake. She was raised on the Hawkins family farm in nearby McAlester, Oklahoma. In the early 1940s, Annetta and her mother moved to California, first settling in San Francisco and later moving to Palo Alto, where Annetta attended high school. She was a proud graduate of Palo Alto High School, Class of 1955. Annetta married Ike Stephens that summer following her graduation.
Annetta will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and love of life. She enjoyed a career in special education, teaching students with special needs in the Cupertino School District. Her passion for teaching handwriting stayed with her throughout her life, and she kept a particular printed curriculum on hand to share with anyone, young or old.
In 1978, Annetta and Ike moved to Scotts Valley, California, where they opened "Annetta's Ice Cream Parlor." There, you could always "get the scoop," thanks to Annetta's wonderful gift of gab and her ability to make everyone feel welcome.
A loyal Giants and 49ers fan, Annetta proudly wore her team swag on game days. She also enjoyed hand-stringing pearls and beads to create beautiful necklaces and bracelets, which she lovingly gifted to family and friends.
Above all, Annetta was a loyal wife, mother, and friend-someone who never met a stranger. Annetta was preceded in death by her loving husband Ike in 2025. She is survived by her three children, Janetta Page (Hank), Lynetta Hodge (Les) and Gary Stephens (Donna); four grandchildren, Todd Lucas, Joshua Stephens, Jeremy Stephens and Mikayla Salisbury (John); and two great-grandchildren, Meilynn and Sophie.
Annetta's legacy lives on through the countless memories she created, the laughter she inspired and the love she shared with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Published in Press Banner · September 8, 2026