February 26, 2013
LaRae A. Stephens

Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, LaRae A. Stephens, returned to her Heavenly Father on Feb. 24 after a brief illness. She was born to goodly parents, Eddie and Mable Anderson, in Grantsville on Nov. 2, 1924. The middle child, she was sister to Beverly (Lynn B.) Nelson and Calvin E. (Maradon) Anderson, who survive her. She graduated from Grantsville High School in 1942 and was always fond of her Grantsville roots. She married the love of her life, Joseph E. Stephens, on Aug. 1, 1944 in Grantsville. Following the end of World War II with Joe’s release from the Navy, they began their family with the arrival of their daughter Teresa. A son, James, completed the family two years later. She was sealed to her husband and children in the Salt Lake Temple in February 1964. LaRae was a stay-at-home mom until 1962 when she went to work in the Civilian Personnel Office at Tooele Army Depot. She was the recipient of numerous awards for her exemplary work performance during the more than 25 years she worked there. Upon retiring, she and her husband traveled and made Yuma, Ariz. their winter home, enjoying the warm weather and many friends they made there. A gifted, award winning seamstress, her talents beautified her home and family. She was a beautiful painter and her paintings grace the homes of her family. Every summer she planted a huge, weed-free garden that was the envy of all who passed by. She taught her daughter, daughter-in-law and granddaughters the fine art of cooking and canning. The time spent doing this was more of a social gathering than work. She loved spending time with her extended family and reigned supreme as the family matriarch at gatherings in the back yard. The epitome of grace, elegance, hard work, love and support, she will be deeply missed by her family. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Joseph Stephens, her daughter, Teresa (Harry) Shinton, her son, James (Shauna) Stephens, seven grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren she adored. She was preceded in death by her loving parents and brother-in-law, Lynn B. Nelson. A viewing will be held on Feb. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tate Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on March 1 at the LDS Tooele 26th Ward church, 1024 W. Utah Ave. in Tooele, with a viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to services. Interment will follow at the Tooele City Cemetery.