Lisa Stethem Obituary: Our hearts are heavy beyond words as we come together in grief, in memory, and in celebration of a woman whose life touched countless others—Lisa Stethem. Her passing is a devastating loss, not just to her beautiful family, but to the entire community of Ord and everyone blessed enough to know her. Lisa was so much more than a nurse. She was a healer in every sense of the word—not only through her profession, but through her kindness, her compassion, and the deep, unwavering care she extended to everyone she met. Her heart was enormous, and it beat steadily in service of others. Whether it was comforting a patient in pain, offering a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply listening with an open heart, Lisa gave of herself fully, always.
It is no exaggeration to say that Lisa was the kind of person who made the world brighter simply by being in it. Her presence lit up a room. She radiated warmth, joy, and sincerity. Her laugh was infectious. Her eyes sparkled with kindness. And her soul—gentle and strong—left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. She was a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a caregiver. She was the kind of person we all aspire to be.
To the Stethem, Reznicek, and Grooms families—your loss is immeasurable, and we hold you in our hearts with the deepest sympathy. Lisa loved fiercely and without reservation. She poured herself into her family with devotion that could be felt in every hug, every word of encouragement, and every small act of care. You were her world, and she was yours. No words can ease this pain, but may you find some comfort in knowing how deeply she was loved by all who knew her.
Her faith, too, was something truly remarkable. Lisa walked with God. She found strength in His word and peace in His promises. Though we struggle now to understand this tragedy, we know Lisa is with the Lord she loved so dearly. As it is written in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” In our sorrow, we cling to this truth and trust that the same God who received Lisa with open arms will also comfort those who mourn her.
Lisa’s work as a nurse was a calling, not just a career. She served tirelessly, often sacrificing her own comfort to care for others. She gave comfort in life’s most vulnerable moments. She held hands when families couldn’t be there. She went above and beyond, every single day. Through long shifts and heartbreaking losses, she stood strong. Her dedication and skill were unmatched, but it was her heart that made her truly extraordinary. Patients weren’t just charts or cases to her—they were people, and she made sure they knew it.
And outside the hospital, Lisa continued to serve. Whether it was volunteering in the community, cheering on kids at local sports events, helping organize church gatherings, or bringing meals to those in need, Lisa was always first to raise her hand. She made time for others, even when it was inconvenient, even when she was tired. She lived with such intentional love.
The short memorial being held today at 5:30 p.m. at the courthouse in Ord is just a small reflection of the impact Lisa had on this town. Pastor Spenser Johnson will lead us in remembering, grieving, and honoring Lisa’s incredible life. If you are not able to attend in person, we know that your prayers and thoughts are deeply appreciated by the family. Your support, even from afar, is felt and cherished.
To lose someone so vibrant and essential feels unbearable. Wounds to the soul like this are not easily overcome. But in the midst of heartbreak, there is hope. In the midst of sorrow, there is love. And in the midst of loss, there is God—ever-present, ever-loving, ever-faithful. He walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death, and He will walk with us through this too.
Lisa’s memory is a blessing. Her legacy will live on—in every life she touched, in every lesson she taught, in every person she lifted up. Let us honor her not only with our words but with our actions. Let us be more like Lisa—more giving, more compassionate, more present. Let us serve, love, and lift up others as she did. Though the pain of her absence is deep, the light of her life is brighter. And it shines still, in the stories we share, in the tears we shed, and in the love that binds us together in her name.
To the Stethem, Reznicek, and Grooms families—please know that you are not alone. Your loss is shared by all of us who loved Lisa. Your grief is echoed in our hearts. And your strength inspires us, just as Lisa did. We pray that you are surrounded by peace, upheld by grace, and comforted by the presence of those who love you. And we trust that God, in His infinite lovingkindness, will bring healing in time. Lisa, we thank you for your life, your love, your sacrifice. You are dearly missed, eternally cherished, and forever remembered. May you rest in peace in the arms of our Savior. With deepest sympathy, unending gratitude, and all our love.
