Steph was born on Feburary 16, 1962, to Herb and Donna Ahrens. Steph began working early, growing up on a farm with no brothers. She hauled hay bales, milked cows, and butchered chickens. Always one to work hard, Steph worked at a warehouse, and operated her own daycare. After graduating from WNCC (Western Nebraska Community College) she began her passion for nourishing others, cooking in various kitchens at area schools and nursing homes. Feeding patrons both a healthy diet and a good dose of humor, with her classic ''joke of the day''. Another passion of Steph's was gardening, she loved the anticipation of the new sprouts coming up; Steph always found joy in nurturing life, whether it was through the meals she prepared or the plants she grew, or the ''punny'' jokes she told.
Steph is survived; her husband, Rob Reed. Her grown sons, John (Christi) Hinrichs of Pine Haven, WY and Jeremiah (Nena) Hinrichs of Sandy, UT; her step-children Amanda (Mike) Brown, grandchildren Oliver and Ethan from Omaha and Riley (Bri) Reed, grandchildren Crew Callum, and Scarlet from Omaha; And her three sisters, Louise (Dave) Hitchcock of Brighton, CO, Gretchen (Jay) Lees of Chadron, NE, and Heather Ahrens of Hay Springs, NE. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Donna Ahrens, her older sister, Lyla Whitehouse, niece Brittany Koehn, and nephew Stephen Ahrens Myers.
Known for her jokes of the day and her infectious laugh, Steph will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.
A memorial service will be held at Ludvigsen Mortuary; 1249 E. 23rd St. Fremont, Nebraska on Saturday, April 12th at 10:00 a.m.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
In addition, a celebration of her life will be held in western Nebraska at a later time.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(5)
Brett R Baker
Seward, NE Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Rob & Family,With Heartfelt Thoughts of Sympathy:
Expressing deepest sympathy, and hoping you will find comfort in
knowing others care and are near in thought today.
Cherish Stephs Memories as there are many. We spent quite a bit of time
in Chadron standing with each in the Ahrens/Baker line over the years at
School or Church.
Brett & Noelle Baker
Seward Nebraska
Lisa Ann O'Connell
Fremont, NE Sunday, April 13, 2025 We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.Thorne ventura
Poughkeepsie, NY Friday, April 11, 2025 I was a friend of Stephanie's at The Grove. she was such a nice person. we were a family getting our lives back on track. we will all remember her for the kindness she gave to all of us.Christina
Fremont, NE Thursday, April 10, 2025 Rob I’m so so sorry for your loss.Becky Thomas
Sidney, NE Wednesday, April 9, 2025 John, JC and family. We were sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. We will keep you in our prayers. Love Uncle Tim and Aunt Becky