Stephanie "MOM" (Bastien) Gould, 70, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020 at home in Springfield, MO, surrounded by family and friends. She had recently relocated from New Castle, DE, where she retired as Kitchen Manager at Pockets Restaurant and Tavern. Stephanie enjoyed working in the restaurant field finding her true calling in life. She began working as a waitress in a 50s style diner moving further into the field as a bartender/cook for the VFW and spreading her wings as a cake decorator. She realized she loved to make people happy planning events and catering. She thrived at Pockets and expanded her skills preparing and planning for the many billiard events that they held.

The nickname "MOM" was not only for her family but also from the beloved staff and customers who always knew that she was a fantastic listener and a loyal friend. She made them feel like they were her own children, giving advice and a shoulder to cry on through the years. She will be sorely missed by all.

Stephanie was well known for her large collection of frogs that were given over the years from all over the world by family and friends. She was also known for her love of all animals, especially cats. She enjoyed all aspects of the great outdoors and loved the ocean most of all. She enjoyed making crafts and playing bingo. Stephanie liked to make a difference in everyone's lives. She would volunteer and donate resources and time to be a helping hand. She was smart, intuitive, compassionate, kind, caring, loving, and a loyal friend to all who met and knew her. Stephanie was a very strong person and could tackle obstacles in life as if it were an ant hill and not a mountain. She truly lived life to the fullest even to her passing.

In her own words:  I loved all my children and all my family members near and far. Want you all to live your lives to your fullest and remember me. My only regret is I'm not there to share your lives. I request no service, just a prayer and dinner, talk about the good times.

She is survived by her four children, Rachael Hensley, Joseph Gould, BobbieJo Strausser (Rebecca), and BillieJo Carney (Jeremy); siblings, Roy Bastien (Carolyn), Thunder Redwomin (Dorinda), David Bastien (Cheryl), Denice Kingery (David), and Jeffery Bastien (John); 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rolland and Constance Bastien.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services.