Iva Pistole

Iva Pistole was born on March 31, 1933, in San Pedro, California, to Alfred and Ruth Wilabe Larsen. She entered her heavenly home on December 23, 2025 rejoicing in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Iva grew up as a Navy daughter, as her father Alfred served 20 years in the United States Navy. Because of his service, the family moved often during Iva’s childhood. Rather than fearing change, she embraced it. Her mother Ruth would say that each move was another adventure, a lesson Iva carried throughout her life. She had a gift for making friends wherever she went and shared a close bond with her younger sister, Laura. After Alfred retired from the Navy, the family settled in the Imperial Valley, where he worked at the Navy base in El Centro, California. Iva attended school there and graduated from Central High School in 1952. Iva met Charles “Chuck” Stephens of Holtville, California, the youngest of seven children from a loving family. Chuck graduated from Holtville High School in 1950, and the two were married on September 7, 1950. Chuck joined the Navy and was stationed in El Centro. Together they welcomed five children in just six and a half years, creating a lively and loving home. After Chuck’s discharge from the Navy, he worked as a lineman for the Imperial Irrigation District, and the family moved to Brawley, where they raised their children. In 1967, tragedy struck when Chuck was killed in a work-related accident. Iva was widowed at the age of 33, left to raise their five children: Debbie (15), Chuck (14), David (13), Brenda (11), and John (9). Through her deep grief, Iva leaned fully on her faith in the Lord, trusting Him for strength, guidance, and provision. With the help of family and dear friends Troy and Pauline Haggard, she raised her children with love and stability, teaching them to be kind, respectful, loving, and to have a strong work ethic. Their home became the hub of activity—sports, cheerleading, and friends always welcome. Dinner was faithfully served at 5:30, with room for whoever was there. Iva often said, “God always provides,” and she lived that truth daily. Though she was a stay-at-home mother, Iva also supported her family by running a dog grooming business from her home. In 1974, Iva married Bill Pistole, a widower with six children. Together they blended their families with love and grace. Iva embraced Bill’s children as her own, and they loved her dearly. After the last four children graduated from high school, Iva and Bill moved from the Imperial Valley and eventually settled in Alpine, California. Iva returned to school, became a licensed beautician, and worked at several salons in Alpine, where she built lasting friendships with coworkers and clients. Bill owned an automotive shop in Pine Valley. During this season, Iva attended Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon and continued to grow in her walk with the Lord. Bill passed away in 2008. Iva later returned to the Imperial Valley, living near her sister Laura and brother-in-law Joe Vogel. She made many friends, attended church in El Centro, and remained active in her community. In 2016, Iva moved to Pennsylvania to live with her daughter Debbie and son-in-law Bob Ellis. She treasured the home they built, complete with her own suite. Many happy hours were spent rocking on the front porch, enjoying the flowers, and praising God for His creation. She attended Church of the Living Christ, where she loved the fellowship and faithfully participated in women’s Bible study. Iva was known for her beautiful smile, upbeat spirit, and genuine love for people. She never met a stranger and kept in touch with family and friends throughout her life. Iva was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Ruth Larsen; her husbands Charles Stephens and Bill Pistole; her children Chuck Stephens and Brenda Newby; her stepson Terry Pistole; her grandchildren Kristy Stephens and Stephen Newby; her sister Laura Vogel and brother-in-law Joe Vogel; as well as Charles’s siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her children Debbie (Bob) Ellis, David (Liz) Stephens, and John (Terry) Stephens; daughter-in-law Miriam Elmore Stephens; and Rob Newby. She is also survived by her stepchildren Vickie Spotts, Rodney Pistole, Cheryl (Phil) Sawtelle, Trisha (Steve) Lunceford, and Billy (Osil) Pistole, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Iva loved her family deeply and stayed connected with them always. A memorial service celebrating Iva’s life and her faith in Jesus Christ will be held at Church of the Living Christ on March 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Sarah Todd Memorial Home, where Iva lived during her final year. The doctors, nurses, caregivers, and staff provided exceptional care, compassion, and love. Iva truly loved being there, and they loved her in return. Iva’s favorite Bible verse, which she lived by daily, was: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Philippians 4:6 “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians

Iva Pistole

March 22, 1933 - December 23, 2025