Barbara Gromke Stephens, 77, of Solon, Iowa died Tuesday, September 29, 2015. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5:30 on Monday, October 5, 2015 at Danforth Chapel on the University of Iowa campus. Brosh Chapel in Solon is assisting the family. Barbara was born on July 25, 1938 in Oak Park, Illinois. She was the daughter of Paul and Ethel Gromke. She met her husband and life partner Ralph Ivan Stephens in 1955 and they were married January 25, 1958. They moved to Iowa City in 1965. Barbara is survived by her husband Ralph, oldest daughter Susan Stephens Ross of Excelsior, Minnesota, son Bob Stephens of Moscow, Idaho, and youngest daughter Kristen Stephens Sharma of Chandler, Arizona. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, James (JD) Rogers, Mitch Ross, Michael Rogers, Sean Ross, Joelle Stephens, Jack Ross and Cooper Stephens. She is preceded in death by her older sister Diane and parents Paul and Ethel. After moving to Iowa City, she became very involved and active in the community, and even initiated many programs. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Art and Art History in 1985 and was a huge fan and supporter of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. She also loved to travel, knit, sew, read and play racquetball with her husband. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that you take your family or friends out for a fun evening with each other, as family is everything.