Earl Stephens

EARL STEPHENS Click here to view Earl's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Earl Rushton Stephens, 90, of Iona, Idaho passed away March 29, 2009, peacefully, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Earl was born on November 6, 1918, in Iona, Idaho to Walter Issac Stephens and Elvira Josephine Rushton Stephens. Earl was one of the lucky ones as he miraculously survived the terrible flu epidemic that took so many infants during this time. Earl attended grade schools in Iona and Rexburg. He finished grade and high school at Iona High. Earl played on the Iona High Basketball team which won the state championship in 1938. This championship was a great accomplishment for the little high school in Iona. Earl always prided himself to be from Iona and from the long line of pioneer relatives who settled this area. Earl married Edith Conrad, a high school girlfriend, in 1939. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Utah LDS Temple on February 9, 1944. Earl began his career as a farmer in Iona working for his father-in-law, David Conrad. A few years later World War II broke out and Earl was drafted into the army. He was just about to be shipped to Germany when his orders were changed and they sent his unit to Panama to help guard the canal zone. Earl enjoyed being in Panama and later became a chauffeur for one of the Colonels. He always bragged about how this experience as a chauffeur made him a great driver. After the war, Earl returned home and began farming where he labored for the next 50 years, producing some of the finest crops in the valley. He prided himself on the straightness of his "rows" and how "clean" his ditches were. Earl worked part and full-time at the U & I Sugar Factory in Lincoln as an Assistant Chemist until the plant closed in 1979. Earl then went to work at Bonneville County for the last 5 years before his retirement. Earl was instrumental in the establishment of the Iona Bonneville Sewer District. He served on the board of directors for 32 years. Earl was an accomplished candy maker as he specialized in various forms of taffy and peanut brittle. He had the "knack" of pulling taffy by his hands until it was soft and ready to eat. Earl served in many church callings throughout his life and successfully taught his friends and family the true meaning of service. This was his greatest gift to mankind! Earl lived and believed in his religion and was a defender of truth and righteousness. He was honest in his dealings with his fellow men and loved to help and serve others. His family and friends will miss his beautiful blue eyes, his kind and loving spirit, and a work ethic unmatched by few. Earl was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Edith, brother, Harland Stephens and sister, Romaine Walker. Survivors include his daughter, Margo (John, deceased) Covert of Aloha, Oregon; sons, Redge (Sonja) Stephens of Gilbert, Arizona; Earl Reed Stephens of Iona; Conrad R. (Ruth) Stephens of Boise, Idaho; 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren; a sister, Barbara (Johnny) Elliott of Iona and sister-in-law, Willa (Ralph) Harding of Blackfoot. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2009 at the Iona LDS 3rd Ward (5169 East Denning) with Bishop David Schweider officiating. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 S. Ammon) and on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be at the Iona Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Nicolle Stephens-Fisher To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say... but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon, and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you." "It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on. I need you here badly; you're part of my plan. There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man." God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too... that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain, then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain." And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free, remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me. Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author) ©Copyright 1998-2009 We love and miss you Grandpa! Give Grandma hugs from us! Anna Eulene Conrad Waters aneh2os@hotmail.com You're in the hearts of others who care about you and pray for you as God eases your sorrow and replaces it with sweet memories. In sympathy. Larry & Barb Woolf Our thoughts are with you today and may you all travel safely. Karen Walker donbroach@live.com Dear Cousins, I'm so sad by the news of my uncle, who always made me feel special, but I am so happy that his homecoming was hugs and kisses by his mother and father and by my mother who thought he hung the moon. I love you all and I'm thinking of you at this time. Your cousin, Karen Sue Charles and ET Tawzer We send our love and condolence to Redge and Sonja as well as all of the family. Needless to say Redge, your dad has left a great legacy that will continue to be emulated trough you. Love always, Sheila Mack and Family Children of Genevieve Rockwood Madsen Our mother 'Jen' is Earl's cousin. Their mothers, Vie & Melissa are sisters. We enjoyed your Father and his smile and kindly disposition. Our condolences and sympathy are with you. Sincerely, the family of Jen and Dermont Madsen: Karen, Kay, Brent, Mark, Nancy, Don, Jena, Gail & Barbara.