Julia J. (Potter) Stephens of State Center, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home of cancer with her husband by her side on February 8, 2026. Julia was born July 15, 1961, in Columbus, Indiana. She moved to Nevada, Iowa in October of 1988. She married John P. Stephens on January 25, 1992, and they had two children, Jacob R. Stephens and Johanna K. Stephens. Being their mom was her priority, and she made it a point to attend all their activities, including sporting events, dance recitals, piano recitals, chorus concerts and many more. She was a member of Scouting America, serving first as a Cub Scout Leader and then as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Committee Member, attending many summer camps with her son and Troop 311 from State Center. She worked as a Legal Assistant for over 25 years, retiring in 2024.

When she was younger, she enjoyed playing recreational league softball and volleyball; more recently kayaking, bicycling, and hanging out with friends. Julia was an Iowa Hawkeyes fan, attending both Iowa football and women's basketball games. She also loved the Iowa State Fair, live music concerts the Green Bay Packers and the St. Louis Cardinals. But her biggest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her kids and her grandkids.

Julia is survived by her husband, John; two children, Jacob of Colorado Springs, CO and Johanna (Rob Jr.) Teff of Nevada, IA; three grandchildren, Rexha, Anthem and Journey; sisters, Kathleen C. (Scott) Alexander and Susan E. (Don) Baker of Columbus, IN; brother, Charles P. Potter of Eldridge, IA; sisters-in-law, Joan P. Reeves of Sheridan, WY, Julie K (Mike) Stephens-Watson of Omaha, NE, Kimberly Stephens of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul O. Potter and LaRene C. Meyer; sister-in-law, Catherine Potter; and brother-in-law, James Stephens.

A celebration of Julia's life will be Friday, April 10, 2026 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Harvest Vineyard Church, 320 S 17th Street in Ames.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.