Stephanie K. Ottesen

Stephanie Kay Ottesen passed away unexpectedly July 2, 2022, following a recent recurrence of MRSA, a battle she had been fighting for seven years.

She is survived by her fiancé Brandan Burkhart, Aunt Di (Diana Miller) who mothered Stephanie since her own mother passed away when she was 14-months old, her older sister Charlotte Ottesen-Price (Afton), little sister Ciera Faye Turner, father Steven Ottesen (Mimi), Uncle David Miller (Ronetta), and new puppy Hope. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Rey, Justice, Jordan, and Braxton Ottesen-Price, and her uncles Timmy, Robert, and Michel Ottesen, along with aunt Deborah Pace.

She is preceded in death by her mother Donna Miller-Ottesen, Grandpa and Grandma Lee and Janet Miller, who opened their hearts and home when their daughter Donna passed unexpectedly in 1992, Uncles Dennis (Marge) and Donnie Miller, and baby brother Steven who passed away as an infant. Also proceeding her in death are her grandparents Ted and Charlotte Ottesen, and Uncle Coby Ottesen.

Stephanie was a simple girl who often hid in the shadows of others instead of letting her beautiful light shine through. Her life was troubled, but she was surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Much of her childhood was spent on the backroads and highways as she and her sister Charlotte traveled throughout various parts of the country camping with her Grandma and Grandpa Miller. As a teenager, Stephanie faced challenges far greater than her ability to overcome them, and sadly in her desperation to cope from one day to the next, she struggled with addiction resulting in a seven-year battle with MRSA, recovery, relapse, and her continued efforts to free herself once and for all from the power of her addiction. She named her new puppy Hope because she wanted so very much to find her happily ever after in life.

Stephanie graduated from Blanchester High School and the Laurel Oaks Career Campus, where she studied cosmetology, a member of the Class of 2010.  Following graduation, for several years Stephanie was the primary caregiver for her grandfather Lee Miller with whom she shared an extraordinary bond. Grandpa Miller flew solo in her daytime care for a year after her mother passed away, making up for the time lost when his own children were little, and he was away from home working. He taught Stephanie to "show how strong" she was during her highchair meals. They sang together as they listened to childhood songs on her little Fisher Price tape recorder. He bathed and dressed her and taught her those early life lessons. With Grandma's passing, and Grandpa's health waning, the roles reversed, and it was Stephanie who spent hours by his side providing for him. She taught him how to play video games on her tablet and cell phone, and she somehow had him watching The Walking Dead television show. Simply an unbelievable feat! Knowing that she liked to sleep late, Grandpa would call her cell phone repeatedly early every morning until she'd finally come downstairs to sit with him. They loved each other devoutly.

If you would like to continue to support Stephanie's dream of beating addiction, please consider making a donation to Blanchester Hope Warriors. Donations may be mailed in her memory to 203 South Wright Street, Blanchester, Ohio 45107.

Family will receive friends at Grace United Methodist Church in Blanchester on Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 10am until the time of service at 12pm.  Burial will follow at Blanchester Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina,