Laura Bess Stephensen, 91, “Waiting for her Mama to come get her,” passed away peacefully on April 4, 2019.
Laura was born August 20, 1927 to Archie Edward Bess and Rose Butterfield Bess. Born and growing up in a rural home on 2700 East in Holladay, the fifth of nine children (siblings: Rose Gillies, Archie Bess, Wayne Bess, Afton Edwards, Ardonna Bowden, Bill Bess, Betty Jean Barker, and Val Bess).
Some of Laura’s childhood chores were picking fruit and berries with her sister, Ardonna, and herding the sheep home most afternoons with her sister Afton. They loved their pet ewe, “Susie,” who lambed twins or triplets each spring. For entertainment, they would listen to the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio show, play softball on 2700 East, swim in the canal, or play monopoly with friends and family. Her and her family would meet up with the Butterfield grandparents and other family at Murray Park for the fair, picnics, and family fun.
Laura was an accomplished seamstress, first learning to sew on a pedal driven sewing machine, which prepared her to enjoy sewing for her children. She would spend hours bottling fruit and vegetables for the winter.
Laura was respected for her work ethic, working thirty years at Smith’s Marketplace, retiring at age eighty-three. She was loved by many friends and associates whereever she worked.
Thanksgivings were a huge event and are remembered joyfully with Laura’s preparation and hard work. She made it special in making sweet potatoes with no extra sugar for Glen, a special fruit salad for Jeff without bananas, and crazy jello salad layered with raspberry that all the kids loved, along with her other yummy traditions. Her hand wrapped Christmas fudge was something grandchildren looked forward to each year.
Laura was a small lady in stature, who was not afraid to give you her opinion and to stand up for what she believed in. Her independent nature is an inspiration to all of us. She lived in her home as long as she possibly could, taking as much care of herself, as long as she could, and she was happy. We admire her emotional strength through difficult times, never giving up, and always being the mama bear protecting her cubs. Her open mind and acceptance of people, along with being forgiving and kind has set an example for us to live in our lives.
These last years, Mother was thankful for the visits and conversations with her nieces and nephews and all her family. She appreciated her neighbors who kept a protective eye on her.
How blessed we have been to share our daily life experiences with our mother, our nana. She was always happy to see her family, always interested in what was going on in their lives, always wanting the best for us. She especially loved giving hugs and kisses to her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She always said, “I am so very blessed with my family and my health.”
As our mother’s family, we can say “what a blessed life we have because of you Mother.”
Laura was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Q. Stephensen; son, Scott R. Stephensen; granddaughter, Ashley Argyle; son-in-law, Glen Brown; and eight siblings. Survived by her children, Sharon (Gary) Argyle, Sharleen Brown, Jackie (Don) Swan, Jeff R. (Denise F.) Bowden, and Bret J. (Jackie) Stephensen. Laura loved and took joy in her twenty-three grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Laura was also survived by her brother-in-law, Keith Bowden; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019, with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy.
Published by Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary.
Laura Bess Stepehnsen, 91, passed peacefully on April 4, 2019.
Laura was born August 20, 1927 to Archie Edward Bess and Rose Butterfield Bess.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Q. Stephensen; son, Scott R. Stephensen; granddaughter, Ashley Argyle; son-in-law, Glen Brown; and eight siblings. Survived by her children, Sharon (Gary) Argyle, Sharleen Brown, Jackie (Don) Swan, Jeff R. (Denise F.) Bowden, and Bret J. (Jackie) Stephensen; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Keith Bowden; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan.
Graveside dedication services will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News on April 11, 2019.
Laura was born August 20, 1927 to Archie Edward Bess and Rose Butterfield Bess. Born and growing up in a rural home on 2700 East in Holladay, the fifth of nine children (siblings: Rose Gillies, Archie Bess, Wayne Bess, Afton Edwards, Ardonna Bowden, Bill Bess, Betty Jean Barker, and Val Bess).
Some of Laura’s childhood chores were picking fruit and berries with her sister, Ardonna, and herding the sheep home most afternoons with her sister Afton. They loved their pet ewe, “Susie,” who lambed twins or triplets each spring. For entertainment, they would listen to the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio show, play softball on 2700 East, swim in the canal, or play monopoly with friends and family. Her and her family would meet up with the Butterfield grandparents and other family at Murray Park for the fair, picnics, and family fun.
Laura was an accomplished seamstress, first learning to sew on a pedal driven sewing machine, which prepared her to enjoy sewing for her children. She would spend hours bottling fruit and vegetables for the winter.
Laura was respected for her work ethic, working thirty years at Smith’s Marketplace, retiring at age eighty-three. She was loved by many friends and associates whereever she worked.
Thanksgivings were a huge event and are remembered joyfully with Laura’s preparation and hard work. She made it special in making sweet potatoes with no extra sugar for Glen, a special fruit salad for Jeff without bananas, and crazy jello salad layered with raspberry that all the kids loved, along with her other yummy traditions. Her hand wrapped Christmas fudge was something grandchildren looked forward to each year.
Laura was a small lady in stature, who was not afraid to give you her opinion and to stand up for what she believed in. Her independent nature is an inspiration to all of us. She lived in her home as long as she possibly could, taking as much care of herself, as long as she could, and she was happy. We admire her emotional strength through difficult times, never giving up, and always being the mama bear protecting her cubs. Her open mind and acceptance of people, along with being forgiving and kind has set an example for us to live in our lives.
These last years, Mother was thankful for the visits and conversations with her nieces and nephews and all her family. She appreciated her neighbors who kept a protective eye on her.
How blessed we have been to share our daily life experiences with our mother, our nana. She was always happy to see her family, always interested in what was going on in their lives, always wanting the best for us. She especially loved giving hugs and kisses to her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She always said, “I am so very blessed with my family and my health.”
As our mother’s family, we can say “what a blessed life we have because of you Mother.”
Laura was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Q. Stephensen; son, Scott R. Stephensen; granddaughter, Ashley Argyle; son-in-law, Glen Brown; and eight siblings. Survived by her children, Sharon (Gary) Argyle, Sharleen Brown, Jackie (Don) Swan, Jeff R. (Denise F.) Bowden, and Bret J. (Jackie) Stephensen. Laura loved and took joy in her twenty-three grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Laura was also survived by her brother-in-law, Keith Bowden; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019, with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy.
Published by Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary.
Laura Bess Stepehnsen, 91, passed peacefully on April 4, 2019.
Laura was born August 20, 1927 to Archie Edward Bess and Rose Butterfield Bess.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Q. Stephensen; son, Scott R. Stephensen; granddaughter, Ashley Argyle; son-in-law, Glen Brown; and eight siblings. Survived by her children, Sharon (Gary) Argyle, Sharleen Brown, Jackie (Don) Swan, Jeff R. (Denise F.) Bowden, and Bret J. (Jackie) Stephensen; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Keith Bowden; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan.
Graveside dedication services will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News on April 11, 2019.
Laura Bess Stephensen, 91, “Waiting for her Mama to come get her,” passed away peacefully on April 4, 2019.
Laura was born August 20, 1927 to Archie Edward Bess and Rose Butterfield Bess. Born and growing up in a rural home on 2700 East in Holladay, the fifth of nine children (siblings: Rose Gillies, Archie Bess, Wayne Bess, Afton Edwards, Ardonna Bowden, Bill Bess, Betty Jean Barker, and Val Bess).
Some of Laura’s childhood chores were picking fruit and berries with her sister, Ardonna, and herding the sheep home most afternoons with her sister Afton. They loved their pet ewe, “Susie,” who lambed twins or triplets each spring. For entertainment, they would listen to the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio show, play softball on 2700 East, swim in the canal, or play monopoly with friends and family. Her and her family would meet up with the Butterfield grandparents and other family at Murray Park for the fair, picnics, and family fun.
Laura was an accomplished seamstress, first learning to sew on a pedal driven sewing machine, which prepared her to enjoy sewing for her children. She would spend hours bottling fruit and vegetables for the winter.
Laura was respected for her work ethic, working thirty years at Smith’s Marketplace, retiring at age eighty-three. She was loved by many friends and associates whereever she worked.
Thanksgivings were a huge event and are remembered joyfully with Laura’s preparation and hard work. She made it special in making sweet potatoes with no extra sugar for Glen, a special fruit salad for Jeff without bananas, and crazy jello salad layered with raspberry that all the kids loved, along with her other yummy traditions. Her hand wrapped Christmas fudge was something grandchildren looked forward to each year.
Laura was a small lady in stature, who was not afraid to give you her opinion and to stand up for what she believed in. Her independent nature is an inspiration to all of us. She lived in her home as long as she possibly could, taking as much care of herself, as long as she could, and she was happy. We admire her emotional strength through difficult times, never giving up, and always being the mama bear protecting her cubs. Her open mind and acceptance of people, along with being forgiving and kind has set an example for us to live in our lives.
These last years, Mother was thankful for the visits and conversations with her nieces and nephews and all her family. She appreciated her neighbors who kept a protective eye on her.
How blessed we have been to share our daily life experiences with our mother, our nana. She was always happy to see her family, always interested in what was going on in their lives, always wanting the best for us. She especially loved giving hugs and kisses to her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She always said, “I am so very blessed with my family and my health.”
As our mother’s family, we can say “what a blessed life we have because of you Mother.”
Laura was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Q. Stephensen; son, Scott R. Stephensen; granddaughter, Ashley Argyle; son-in-law, Glen Brown; and eight siblings. Survived by her children, Sharon (Gary) Argyle, Sharleen Brown, Jackie (Don) Swan, Jeff R. (Denise F.) Bowden, and Bret J. (Jackie) Stephensen. Laura loved and took joy in her twenty-three grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Laura was also survived by her brother-in-law, Keith Bowden; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019, with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy.
Published by Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary.
Laura Bess Stepehnsen, 91, passed peacefully on April 4, 2019.
Laura was born August 20, 1927 to Archie Edward Bess and Rose Butterfield Bess.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Q. Stephensen; son, Scott R. Stephensen; granddaughter, Ashley Argyle; son-in-law, Glen Brown; and eight siblings. Survived by her children, Sharon (Gary) Argyle, Sharleen Brown, Jackie (Don) Swan, Jeff R. (Denise F.) Bowden, and Bret J. (Jackie) Stephensen; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Keith Bowden; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan.
Graveside dedication services will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News on April 11, 2019.
Laura was born August 20, 1927 to Archie Edward Bess and Rose Butterfield Bess. Born and growing up in a rural home on 2700 East in Holladay, the fifth of nine children (siblings: Rose Gillies, Archie Bess, Wayne Bess, Afton Edwards, Ardonna Bowden, Bill Bess, Betty Jean Barker, and Val Bess).
Some of Laura’s childhood chores were picking fruit and berries with her sister, Ardonna, and herding the sheep home most afternoons with her sister Afton. They loved their pet ewe, “Susie,” who lambed twins or triplets each spring. For entertainment, they would listen to the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio show, play softball on 2700 East, swim in the canal, or play monopoly with friends and family. Her and her family would meet up with the Butterfield grandparents and other family at Murray Park for the fair, picnics, and family fun.
Laura was an accomplished seamstress, first learning to sew on a pedal driven sewing machine, which prepared her to enjoy sewing for her children. She would spend hours bottling fruit and vegetables for the winter.
Laura was respected for her work ethic, working thirty years at Smith’s Marketplace, retiring at age eighty-three. She was loved by many friends and associates whereever she worked.
Thanksgivings were a huge event and are remembered joyfully with Laura’s preparation and hard work. She made it special in making sweet potatoes with no extra sugar for Glen, a special fruit salad for Jeff without bananas, and crazy jello salad layered with raspberry that all the kids loved, along with her other yummy traditions. Her hand wrapped Christmas fudge was something grandchildren looked forward to each year.
Laura was a small lady in stature, who was not afraid to give you her opinion and to stand up for what she believed in. Her independent nature is an inspiration to all of us. She lived in her home as long as she possibly could, taking as much care of herself, as long as she could, and she was happy. We admire her emotional strength through difficult times, never giving up, and always being the mama bear protecting her cubs. Her open mind and acceptance of people, along with being forgiving and kind has set an example for us to live in our lives.
These last years, Mother was thankful for the visits and conversations with her nieces and nephews and all her family. She appreciated her neighbors who kept a protective eye on her.
How blessed we have been to share our daily life experiences with our mother, our nana. She was always happy to see her family, always interested in what was going on in their lives, always wanting the best for us. She especially loved giving hugs and kisses to her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She always said, “I am so very blessed with my family and my health.”
As our mother’s family, we can say “what a blessed life we have because of you Mother.”
Laura was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Q. Stephensen; son, Scott R. Stephensen; granddaughter, Ashley Argyle; son-in-law, Glen Brown; and eight siblings. Survived by her children, Sharon (Gary) Argyle, Sharleen Brown, Jackie (Don) Swan, Jeff R. (Denise F.) Bowden, and Bret J. (Jackie) Stephensen. Laura loved and took joy in her twenty-three grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Laura was also survived by her brother-in-law, Keith Bowden; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019, with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy.
Published by Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary.
Laura Bess Stepehnsen, 91, passed peacefully on April 4, 2019.
Laura was born August 20, 1927 to Archie Edward Bess and Rose Butterfield Bess.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Q. Stephensen; son, Scott R. Stephensen; granddaughter, Ashley Argyle; son-in-law, Glen Brown; and eight siblings. Survived by her children, Sharon (Gary) Argyle, Sharleen Brown, Jackie (Don) Swan, Jeff R. (Denise F.) Bowden, and Bret J. (Jackie) Stephensen; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Keith Bowden; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan.
Graveside dedication services will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News on April 11, 2019.
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