Stephanie Renee Hostetler Friend was born on April 29, 1985, to Steve and Kathy Hostetler. From the very beginning, she brought joy, light, and laughter into the lives of everyone who knew her. She lived life to the fullest—always the life of the party, always bringing the fun—and truly the sweetest of the three sisters.

A 2003 graduate of Sidney High School, Stephanie followed her creative heart to Beauty School in Bismarck, North Dakota. After earning her license, she moved to Kansas City with her sister Samantha, where she spent several years building her career and enjoying city life. Whether she was behind the chair doing hair, exploring Kansas City through property title work, or brightening the halls of Ferrellgas, Steph made friends everywhere she went. Her warm smile, quick wit, and joyful energy were unforgettable. When she decided to move back home, Ferrellgas—long before remote work was the norm—immediately set her up to work from Montana, a true testament to her value and the relationships she cultivated.

Steph’s passion for life showed up in everything she did—but especially in her love for horses and volleyball. She discovered her love of horses as a young girl, spending countless hours riding, caring for animals through 4-H, and eventually competing in barrel racing throughout high school. While living in Kansas City, she continued to nurture that passion by giving horseback riding lessons in her spare time.

Steph played volleyball in high school and later found a sand volleyball league in Kansas City that became one of her weekly joys. After moving back home, she continued playing in a local league and was also able to return to beloved traditions like the annual Culbertson Wagon Train, a fall event she enjoyed.

One of Steph’s greatest joys was passing her love of horses down to her children. She frequently brought Trace and Londyn to Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Jake’s for rides. Her heart was always focused on making sure her kids had strong, loving relationships with their family. She spent many evenings taking them to Papa Rick and Grandma Patty’s, where they were treated to cakes and cookies lovingly made by Patty, and plenty of laughter while riding the lawn mower with Rick.

Steph also had a heart for adventure and loved to travel. Whether it was a quick weekend getaway or a tropical escape, she found joy in the journey. She made unforgettable memories on trips to Deadwood, or going to Mexico, and during her time in Kansas City, she went on a mission trip to Costa Rica. She loved new places, new people, and making the most of every moment—always living life with intention, laughter, and love.

It was back home in 2012 that Steph’s greatest adventure began: family. Not long after returning, a dear friend introduced her to the love of her life, Troy Friend. The two quickly bonded over their shared love of the outdoors—especially kayaking and shed hunting. On June 29, 2019, Steph and Troy were married on a bluff overlooking the Yellowstone River, a breathtaking moment that perfectly captured their love and adventurous spirits.

In 2020, Stephanie’s dream of motherhood came true with the arrival of their son, Trace Steven Richard, on April 9. Two years later, their hearts grew even fuller when their daughter, Londyn Reigh, was born on June 1, 2022. Stephanie thrived as a mother—her heart found its home in the beautiful chaos of family life. Her days were filled with laughter, snuggles, and love, and she found joy in every little moment. As the kids grew, kayaks gave way to a boat, and Sundays became cherished “Family Fun Days” spent on the river with friends, sunshine, and memories in the making.

Stephanie passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Mckenzie County Hospital in Watford City, North Dakota.

Stephanie is survived by her husband, Troy; her beloved children, Trace and Londyn; her adopted parents (in-laws), Rick and Patty Friend; her mother, Kathy (Jake) Wyman; her sisters, Samantha (Wade) Johnson and Angie (Todd) Flynn; her niece, Taylor (Arron) Ryan; her great-niece, Vanya; her nephews, Kyle and Elijah Flynn; and a large extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who truly became family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Steven Hostetler; and her grandparents, Bob and Christy Hostetler and Dick and Marlene Richey.