Ruth Stephens

Ruth Heincare Stephens, age 93, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 18, 2011 at the Star Valley Care Center in Afton. She was born July 20, 1917 in Rawlins to Ove Herluf and Lois Derby Wallace Petersen.

When she was four years old, Ruth sailed with her parents to her father's native Denmark, where they spent a year getting acquainted with her Danish family. The memories made during this time were still vivid in her mind, even after nearly 90 years.

As a young woman, Ruth developed a love for music, she enjoyed her studies and earned the honor of being the valedictorian of the Rawlins High School Class of 1935. She graduated from Colorado Women's College in Denver with an Associate of Arts degree in 1937.

She worked as a secretary and stenographer in legal and medical practices, and was the Deputy County Clerk in Rawlins for 10 years.

She proudly served in the U.S. Navy in WW2 from January 1944 to February 1946. Ruth married George Nelson Stephens March 13, 1953 in Cheyenne. Ruth and George were later baptized into the LDS church, and were sealed together with their children, Lee and Lois, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 18, 1962.

Ruth's musical ability and her willingness to service were put to good use, not only as an organist/pianist in all the church auxiliaries, but as a very willing accompanist for weddings, funerals and special musical numbers. In addition, she taught piano privately for many years.

Genealogy was another passion for Ruth, and she had some remarkable experiences in searching out her ancestors.

After moving to Afton in 1981, Ruth and George very much enjoyed the Star valley Senior Center, where Ruth loved playing the piano for the ladies to sing. She also served on the Golden Age Board for number of years.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Wallace A. Petersen, Tucson, Ariz,; son W. Lee (Ruth) Stephens, Steger, Ill.; daughter Lois (Barry) Laird, Afton; grandchildren, Ester Stephens, Spokane, Washington.; Sonya (John) Farmer, Crete, ill.; Heather (Garren) Staugger; Stephanie Laird, Afton; Adam Laird, Williston, N.D.; Anina Laird, Ogden, Utah; four great granddaughters and two great grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George in 1994.

A viewing will be held from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, June 23 at the Schwab Mortuary in Afton. Friday, June 24, a viewing prior to the service will be held at the Afton 3rd and 4th Ward from 10:30-11:45 a.m. with the funeral following at noon.

Interment will be held in the Afton Cemetery.