Robert Earl Stephens

Robert Earl Stephens, of Paradise, Montana, died at his home of natural causes on November 15, 2013. He was 74. Robert was born June 1, 1939, to Wendell and Helen Boyer Stephens in Missoula, Montana. He was raised east of Paradise on the family farm, and graduated from Plains High School in 1957. He worked on the family farm with his father and brother until the farm was sold.

Robert was married to Angela St. Germaine Stephens from 1960-1979, and they were blessed with two daughters, Sydne and Shelby. He served in the United States Navy, receiving training as a machinist, and was honorably discharged in 1962. He graduated from Montana State University in 1969 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, and earned a post-graduate degree in International Trade in 1970.

Robert was married to Judith Wolfe Stephens from 1983 until her death in 1986. In 1988 he married Cecelia Forrest, and has been a wonderful husband and step-father to her children Tana Forrest Rehbein and Todd Forrest.

Robert had a servant’s heart, and he served his community in many different capacities. He served on both the Plains and Paradise school boards, the hospital board, Montana Grain Growers Association, and the Sanders County ASCS board. Over the years, Robert served in his church as youth leader, Sunday school teacher, Board member, Deacon, and Associate Pastor. He touched innumerable lives, and had a unique way of making each person he talked to feel important and special. Robert loved children, and was often down on the floor playing with the kids, never worried about looking silly or being embarrassed. He had a wonderful sense of humor and never failed to offer a compliment and encouragement. Many people sought his advice, knowing if would be based on prayer and the Truth of God’s Word.

Robert was preceded in death by his mother, father, and older brother Marlin. He is survived by his wife Cecy, daughters Sydne (Pat) Connolly, and Shelby (Jon) Zigler, and step-children Tana (Dean) Rehbein, and Todd (Debby) Forrest. He has 12 grandchildren: Kylee, Jourdan, Christian, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Jacob, Caleb, Joshua, Alicia, Julianna, Tyler, and Troy. He is also survived by brother Cliff (Judy) Stephens and sister Colleen (Bob) Newman. He also has numerous nieces and nephews, and hundreds of surrogate children, of all ages, who loved their “Papa Bob” dearly.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at 2pm at the Plains High School gymnasium in Plains, Montana. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in honor of Robert to support his Christian missionary brother Ray in Africa, in care of the Plains Church on the Move (Assembly of God), PO Box 767, Plains, Montana, 59859.