Donald Roger Stephenson (1928-2015) Ruth Anne Stephenson (1928-2017)

Donald Roger Stephenson (87) passed away under the loving care of Hospice House of North Idaho, May 31, 2015. He was born March 13, 1928 to Thomas Stephenson and Aletha Bartholomew Stephenson. Don graduated in 1947 from Wallace High School. After high school he worked many odd jobs but on June 3, 1950 he became an employee of the Washington Water Power and that was his career for 38 years.

Don was a wonderful husband, cuddly grandpa and great grandfather. He was very passionate about working with wood, building cabins and homes they resided in. Don was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers and a member of the Masons and Shiners’ for 65 years. He was happiest on the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River fishing and spending time with family and friends.

Ruth Anne Stephenson (89) passed away under the care of Hospice of North Idaho at North Star Retirement Community on September 4, 2017. She was born March 19, 1928 to Don F. Heidt and Rena Ruffatto Heidt. Ruth also graduated from Wallace High School in 1947. After high school she worked in Seattle for a year as a telephone operator and then attended the University of Idaho.

Ruth was a very talented lady. She played the violin, piano, saxophone, and she loved singing. Mom enjoyed knitting, sewing, crocheting and the past few years bingo was the main event at North Star. Ruth was given an award from the State of Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for her contribution of blankets, quilted and crocheted, for children in North Idaho. She volunteered for Toys for Tots and Amberly’s Place.

Don and Ruth were married January 1, 1950 and had two children: son, Terry Lee (12/5/1950 ~ 9/26/2006) and daughter, Debbi Anne (9/30/1952 ~ present). Don and Ruth are survived by their daughter, Debbi Anne (Stephenson) Gerard and spouse Gene Gerard of Eagle Idaho; grandchildren, Andrew B Gerard, (Brittany Crapo Gerard spouse) of Boise, Idaho; Crystal A Shipman, (Stefan Shipman, spouse) Seattle, WA; and great grandchildren, Archer Gerard, Blair Gerard, Lenox Gerard, and Sullivan Shipman.

Don and Ruth spent 10 years in Yuma Arizona where they enjoyed the warm weather. In 2011 they returned to Coeur d’ Alene to be closer to family and friends.

The family would like to thank Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, Idaho 83835, for the loving care they provided. Any donations may be made to them or any other charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life service is being planned at a later date in Wallace, Idaho. The family will announce the date when it has been finalized. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Don and Ruth’s online memorial and sign their guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.