E. Sterling Stephens, 88, passed away Oct. 25, 2012, at Logan Regional Hospital in Logan, Utah. Sterling was born Oct. 4, 1924, in Montpelier, Idaho, to John Edwin Stephens and Louisa Perkins Stephens.

Sterling grew up in Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School. After high school he attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah, where he received a bachelor's degree in psychology.

He joined the Merchant Marines and served during World War II. He began a business in Logan with his brother-in-law Mirl Hymas called Steeds Dairy Bar. Later he started his career as a Seminary and Institute teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also completed his master's degree in educational psychology.

Sterling taught at the LDS Institute of Religion at Utah State University in Logan for many years, having a great influence for good in the lives of fellow faculty members, students, friends and family. He has a great mind and heart filled with knowledge and understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which he lovingly taught by word and example. All those who knew him received of his selfless kindness and humble spirit. He truly loves his Master and lived an
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Sterling was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ruth (Eugene) Nielsen, LeGrand, Earl, Dean, Charles, Glen and Roger Stephens. Sterling is survived by his spouse Rhea of Logan, Utah; sons and daughters GeNee (Robert) Mouritsen of obedient life.

Sterling married Rhea Hymas in 1946 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They have been happily married for 66 years. Rhea is a loving wife and wonderful mother and grandmother. Sterling and Rhea love all things beautiful and together made a heaven on earth. They served together in the Logan temple.

Sterling served as a stake executive secretary and high councilman in the Hyrum Stake, bishop of the Hyrum 8th Ward, bishop of a university ward, councilor in a stake presidency at Utah State University and many other church callings where he served with dedication and love. He also oversaw seminaries and institutes of religion in North and South Carolina and served an LDS mission for the Church Education Kaysville, Utah, Sherry (Don) Archibald of Rigby, Idaho, Jackie (Kent) Adams of Shelley, Idaho, Monte (Pam) Stephens of Fruit Heights, Utah, Rick (Lisa) Stephens of Greeley, Colo., and Jan Stephens of Logan, Utah; sister Shirley (Spence) Wheatley of Boise, Idaho - his only surviving sibling; 28 grandchildren and 43 greatgrandchildren.

Funeral services were held Oct. 30, 2012, in the Foothill 1st Ward building, 1450 E. 1500 North in Logan. Interment was at the Montpelier City Cemetery in Montpelier, Idaho.