Lisa Stethem Obituary: Our hearts are heavy today as we gather to remember and honor the life of Lisa Stethem—a woman whose light was radiant, whose heart was generous, and whose loss we now feel so deeply. Lisa was a treasured member of the Ord community, a respected nurse, and a deeply loved daughter, wife, mother, sister, and friend. Her sudden and tragic passing has left a void in our lives that words alone cannot fill.
Lisa gave her life to the service of others—not only in her profession as a nurse, but in every facet of her being. She was a caregiver by nature, someone who extended grace, warmth, and compassion to everyone she met. Whether she was on the clock caring for patients or at home nurturing her family and friendships, Lisa’s love was a constant and healing force.
The outpouring of grief and love from all corners of our town and beyond speaks volumes about the kind of person Lisa was. She wasn’t just a nurse—she was a lifeline to many. Her ability to offer comfort in times of fear, to bring laughter in moments of sorrow, and to provide unwavering support when it was needed most made her irreplaceable. So many lives are better because Lisa touched them.
It is so incredibly heartbreaking to lose someone so vibrant, so full of life, so deeply rooted in faith and kindness. Lisa’s family—the Stethems, the Rezniceks, the Grooms—all carry her legacy in their strength and grace, and we surround them now with love and prayer. To you, her dear family, we say: we see your pain, we share in your sorrow, and we stand beside you in faith.
Lisa lived her life with purpose. She didn’t just go through the motions—she was intentional about her love, her actions, her sacrifices. She made everyone feel important. She made people feel seen. She reminded us that kindness is a choice, that service is a calling, and that love, above all else, is what we leave behind.
Tonight at 5:30 p.m., we will gather at the courthouse in Ord to hold a short memorial in Lisa’s honor. Pastor Spenser Johnson will be leading us in prayer, reflection, and remembrance. It will be a sacred time to mourn, to support one another, and to give thanks to God for Lisa’s beautiful life. If you cannot attend, please know that your prayers are still so valued. The family feels them. The community feels them. And Lisa, in Heaven, knows she is held in all of our hearts.
We believe that wounds to the soul such as this are not easily overcome—but we trust in God’s promise of peace, comfort, and healing. His lovingkindness endures, even when the world feels shattered. In Psalm 34:18 we are reminded, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We cling to this promise now, believing that Lisa is held close by the very hands of God, and that He is close to all of us as we grieve.
Lisa’s legacy will live on in so many ways: in the lives of the patients she cared for, in the colleagues she mentored, in the friends she uplifted, and most especially in her family whom she adored. Her children will carry forward her fierce love, her gentle spirit, and her unwavering faith. Her husband will always hold the memories of their journey together as a sacred treasure. And her friends and coworkers will continue to feel her presence in the quiet, everyday moments that remind us of who she was—a light, a guide, a blessing.
Let us also remember that Lisa was a woman of deep faith. Her relationship with God was central to her life, and she poured out His love in every interaction. She lived the Gospel with her hands and feet, and we know that she now rests in the arms of her Savior. There is comfort in knowing that Lisa is home. She is safe. She is whole. And she is surrounded by everlasting peace.
To the Stethem, Reznicek, and Grooms families—thank you for sharing Lisa with us. Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you during this incredibly difficult time. Your strength is a testament to Lisa’s influence, and your faith is a light to us all. We lift you up in prayer, today and in all the days to come. May you feel God’s nearness. May you feel the love of a community that grieves with you. And may you feel Lisa’s presence, always.
As we remember Lisa today, let us choose to live a little more like she did: with open hearts, giving hands, and eyes that see the needs of others. Let us be present with one another. Let us be generous with our love. Let us not take a single moment for granted. Because if Lisa taught us anything, it’s that a life of love and service is a life well-lived.
In the days ahead, we will grieve. We will cry. We will ask questions. But we will also give thanks—for the gift that Lisa was, and for the time we were blessed to share with her. We will share stories, we will hold each other close, and we will continue the legacy she began. One of love. One of faith. One of hope.
Rest well, Lisa. Thank you for showing us what it means to love without limits, to serve without seeking praise, and to live with joy, even in the face of hardship. You have left footprints on our hearts that will never fade. We will remember you always—with tears, yes, but also with deep gratitude.
