Walking On -- Gerald B. Stephens

Gerald B. Stephens

Oct. 30, 1931 – Dec. 12, 2016

Tribal Elder Gerald Blake “Jerry” Stephens, 85, of Livingston, Mont., passed away Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, at Livingston HealthCare with the love of his family at his side.

Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory and, per Jerry’s wishes, a formal service will not be held.

Jerry was born on Oct. 30, 1931, in Seattle, Wash. He was the son of Herbert and Della Pearl Winifred (Gaudie) Stephens. He was raised on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where he attended school until age 14. He then decided to fib on his age a bit and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served with them until he came of age and they discovered he had enlisted before he was eligible. Once discharged he re-enlisted with the U.S. Army, serving for an additional couple of years before enlisting in the Coast Guard. He joined the Coast Guard to obtain his Merchant Marines license because he wanted to run a tug boat.

Following his time with the Coast Guard, he took a job with Foss Tug out of the Everett, Wash., Port. He married and was blessed with nine children while in Washington. They later separated. He married Darlene Graham in 1978 in Yakima, Wash. This marriage brought two more children into the family.

 Jerry always liked the rural wilderness of Wyoming and Montana. In 1974, the family moved to Sheridan, Wyo., and then to Livingston, Mont., in 1982. In Livingston, Jerry served the American Legion as their post manager for 18 years. He retired in 2001.

 In his spare time Jerry had many woodworking and furniture refinishing projects going. He loved to go fishing and hunting, and take family camping trips. He especially enjoyed any time spent with his family, grandchildren and friends.

 Blessed be his memory.

 Jerry is survived by his wife of 38 years, Darlene; children, Dana (Gloria) Stephens of Odessa, Wash., Fabian (Leih) Stephens of Hoodsport, Wash., Lynnaire (Roberta) Stephens, Kimalee Kirkman, Diana Leland and Anthony (Tammy) of Moses Lake, Wash., Vallant Stephens of Las Vegas, Nev., Dantí Stephens of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Luzena Greenwood of Spirit Lake, Idaho, and Penny Page of Ephrata, Wash.; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He also is survived by siblings Cora Shelly of Xenia, Ohio, and Herbert William (Gladys) Stephens of Moses Lake, Wash., nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

 Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Della Stephens; son, Gerald Blake Stephens Jr.; grandson, Duane Kultgen; and sisters, Camille Taro and Nancy Maygra.

Online condolences may be shared at franzen-davis.com.