Ruth E. Stephens

Ruth Ellen Stephens, 87, was called home on Sunday, April 1, 2012. She was looking forward to a joyous “reunion” in Heaven with her late husband Troy and her two beloved sons, Scott and Patrick who preceded her in death. She spoke of how great it would be to see Justine again, her special brother-in-law Bill McInelly and a great grandson Alex who also preceded her in death.

Mom was born February 6, 1925, the youngest of four children born to Francis and Pauline (Fish) Brick. She had two brothers, Ed and Harold, and one very special sister Helen (Carroll). She grew up in Pocatello, attended school there, working for a while at a small Five and Dime on Main Street she also worked on the Union Pacific Railroad for a time during the war and donated time and effort to the war effort.

Ruth met and married her “one and only,” Troy Stephens, in 1945 and together they raised five children who were the most important people in her life. She lived for her sons, Donald Troy, Scott Francis, Michael and Patrick, and her daughter Cathy and her husband Craig Foutch.

Over the years, mom felt so blessed to have had so many special people in her life, her sweet daughter-in-laws, Debi and Nikki, and best friend and confidant, Cheryl, who all have helped us to get through the hard times. As she suffered through each new injury and devastating illness, she would ask for them to be called and they would always be there to help.

Mom's grandchildren and great-grandchildren are numerous but each one special to her, including; Savannah, Stevi Dee, Dana (Olsen) Griffin, Heather and Ryan Stephens, Sara and Michael Stephens, Mikey, Emily and Joshua Stephens, Zakk and Justine, and Craig's girls in Washington, Kori, Robbi, Brandi and Buffi. She also had many great grandchildren including sweet Hailey Ann, her brother Kobe, Dana's three boys, Langston, Garrison and Rowan in Texas, Emily's son Brighton and Josh's new baby Jaxon Patrick. Briana and Carly, Jacog, Tristen and Nicholas, Lizzie, Dalton and Tylee all live in Washington and didn't get to spend much time with Mom but loved and respected her.

She had unique and special relationships with her nieces and nephews, especially with Helen's boys, Bill Dick and Ron. She used to say she “helped raise them.” She is known as Aunt Ruthie to her many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly and that we would love to mention but are too numerous to do so within this limited space.

Mom was always “Mom” or “Gramma” to those who knew her well and she had the ability to form special one-on-one relationships with everyone she met. She was charitable to a fault and would adopt anyone who needed a hug or a helping hand. She dearly loved her sister Helen and they have always lived near one another and grew ever closer over the passing years.

She was specific in her instructions, no funeral, no crying. Celebrate, play music, eat and be happy for the life she lived. She doesn't want us to remember her as a frail or dying woman, but to remember the good times, the huge family gatherings, the vacations in Island Park and the trips to Las Vegas and Jackpot. Friends and family are invited to join us on April 5th for a “Celebration of Her Life” and to remember her with stories and a slide show to celebrate this very special woman. A woman who provided a happy home and made untold sacrifices for my brothers and myself…who stubbornly fought back against every ailment that threatened to take her life again and again, right up until the day she left this earth…and most of all the woman who instilled in us the courage and strength to get through this, the most profoundly sad and difficult experience of our lives. The woman we will remember and miss every single day forever…Our Mom

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