A Century of Grace: Bobbie Stephens’ Remarkable Journey

Bobbie Stephens met her now-husband, John, at church in 1995. At that time, both were happily married with children, leading fulfilling lives. Bobbie had recently embarked on a quest to find a specific Queen Anne clock she had admired in a catalog. During a dinner at John’s home, she was delighted to see a similar clock prominently displayed in his dining room. The discovery sparked an immediate connection between Bobbie and John’s wife, who shared her enthusiasm for the timepiece. With John’s wife’s guidance, Bobbie selected a comparable clock from a catalog—one in deep mahogany to complement her Newhall home’s décor.
Tragedy then struck both families when John’s wife and Bobbie’s husband passed away.
After Bobbie and John were both widowed, Bobbie returned the clock to the manufacturer, assuming John wouldn’t want to continue building it after his wife’s passing. However, John later reached out to Bobbie and asked if she would still like him to build the clock, as it would help him stay busy in the wake of his own loss. He suggested she reorder it, and he would craft it for her. Bobbie agreed, and as John worked on the clock, they began spending more time together, growing closer with each passing day. John eventually completed the clock, and it has proudly adorned their entryway for 26 years.
Reflecting on her past, Bobbie Stephens was born in 1924, a year after her father returned home from France, where he had contracted tuberculosis during World War I. One of her earliest memories comes from the old Veterans Hospital in Sylmar, where she and her brother played in the nursery while her father received treatments. He was one of the first patients successfully treated and discharged, and the family made their way to Berkeley, where Bobbie’s parents pursued teaching credentials. Growing up during the Great Depression, Bobbie experienced poverty firsthand, but it never dampened her spirit.
As a child, Bobbie was joyful, playing in streams and riding horses through the hills as she witnessed the valley transform around her. She was outgoing and charismatic, traits she would carry throughout her life.
During her teenage years, Bobbie’s ambition led her to an upscale department store in Chino. When the manager said they weren’t hiring, Bobbie offered to work for free to demonstrate her skills. After just three days, she secured a part-time job on weekends. In adulthood, Bobbie followed in her parents’ footsteps and became a teacher herself. When she moved to Newhall in 1968, she helped establish the first junior high school in Castaic, teaching a wide range of subjects.
By the time she retired in 1989, Bobbie had witnessed the expansive growth of the Santa Clarita Valley, having dedicated 37 years to teaching. The loss of her husband, Blake Blakey, in January 1996 after his battle with cancer, left Bobbie with a profound sense of loss. Throughout this challenging time, her church community provided her with much-needed support.
Similarly, John was grappling with his own loss after his wife passed away in April 1996. As their paths crossed more frequently, John’s presence became a source of comfort for Bobbie. One cold, foggy morning in January 1997, a comforting hug from John made Bobbie realize how much she needed him in her life. Their bond deepened, leading to their marriage almost two years later on Valentine’s Day 1998, at the church they both cherished.
Bobbie and John found happiness together. They began volunteering at Henry Mayo Hospital, assisting in the Gift Shop and supporting the Henry Mayo Hospital Home Tour. Bobbie has always cherished the memories made through their community involvement. Married now for over 26 years, Bobbie advises younger generations to “follow your inner voice, as it will always tell you the right thing to do.”
Reflecting on her life, Bobbie remains optimistic about the future. She embraces each day as an opportunity to accomplish something and have a bit of fun. Her life of service to the community—through teaching and volunteering—has significantly impacted the Santa Clarita Valley. While she modestly dismisses praise, the community is grateful for her enduring contributions.

Photos by Joie de Vivre Photographie

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