Roger LeRoy Stephens (RL), who was born in Salt Lake City, UT on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1928, is now in heaven enjoying the reunion with those family members who preceded him in death. His beloved wife Barbara Linford; whom he fell in love with at first sight in St Charles, ID, and married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on May 19, 1948. They shared sixty-six years together. His outstanding parents; Lyle Clinton Stephens and Stella Roderick; his parents-in-law, Frank Burton (Harris) Linford and Lavina Keetch; his younger brother Lyle Clinton Jr. (Mickey), younger sister Doris Rae (Hunt), and his grandsons Kevin and Samuel; and great-grandsons Ethan, Tate, and Payden. Dad was surrounded by his loving children and grandson as he peacefully passed on from this world. Our dearest dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend slipped away into a "better world" on Thursday, May 24, 2018 in Smithfield, UT. Our sorrow at his parting is matched only by the joy with which we know he was received by loved ones eagerly awaiting his arrival there! Roger was very proud of his family heritage on both the Roderick and Stephens’ side. He always commented on how there was always a lot of fun going on in the Roderick family and he cherished those memories.
He was raised on the Lady Acres Farm (Holstein Dairy) located north of Montpelier, ID where he learned the value of hard work that stayed with him his whole life. He milked a lot of cows over his lifetime. After his parent’s death, he continued to run the family farm for the next ten years at which time he sold the majority of the farm in order to enjoy retirement and pursue other activities.
During WW II, he was anxious to go to war in the service of our country. Roger couldn’t wait to turn eighteen and join the war. The draft ended 6 days after he turned 18; so instead he enlisted in the Army for 3 years. He spent one and a half years in Japan and one year in Alaska. One week prior to his death he was honored for his military service in an Honors Salute ceremony.
After Roger was released from the Army, he went to Utah State University on the GI Bill for his Bachelor’s degree. He received a commission and after he graduated he went back into the service for 6 months at Fort Bliss, Texas. When Roger was released from the service he went to work for the City of Logan initially as a Health Officer. He enjoyed a forty-year career with the city. His job description changed often throughout his career; with him retiring as the Director of the Sanitation Department. One of his biggest accomplishment was developing the county-wide Garbage Collection System. Monday was his favorite day of the week because he was anxious to get back to work. He often told his children to “enjoy your work while you can”. While performing laboratory work he earned his Master’s degree in Diary Science from Utah State University. In 1967, Roger was an honored recipient of the International Award for Outstanding Sanitarian.
Roger and Barbara served an 18 month mission at the LDS Employment Office in Logan, Utah. They were called as temple workers and worked for a total of 16 years. He was set apart as a Sealer in the Logan Temple by President Thomas S. Monson and served in this capacity for 10 years. During this time he was able to perform temple sealing’s for many of his grandchildren. Roger loved this privilege and cherished the opportunity. Roger served as a Bishop of the Logan 15th Ward from 1978-1983. He served two terms on the High Council for a total of 11 years.
As a committed husband, loving father, grandfather, and friend we each looked to him for inspiration. We will miss his steady heart and helping hands. He loved collectively and individually, equally and well; such that each member of his family rightly thinks, "I am his favorite!" Grandpa was always willing and able to lift, inspire and encourage with his wisdom and kind words. He is a singularly good man and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
His legacy of love lives on with his family; 7 children were born under the everlasting covenant to Roger and Barbara; RaDene (Brent) Meikle, Kayleen (Bruce) Campbell, Gary (Louise) Stephens, Edward (Loril) Stephens, David (Lisa) Stephens, MaryAnn Packer, Richard Stephens, and grandchildren; of which there are 30 and 48 great grandchildren! Each benefited from counsel and encouragement in times of need or uncertainty, as well as priesthood blessings. We will miss his warm embrace, tireless joviality, and the time he spent with each and every one of us.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 29, at the Allen-Hall Mortuary on 34 East Center Street, Logan, Utah; from 6 to 8 p.m. A viewing prior to the service will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 30, at the Cobblestone 1st Ward Chapel on 420 W 100 N, Providence, Utah. Please come and visit and bid a fond farewell to a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, uncle, neighbor, grandfather, friend, and all around good guy! He loves you always and forever… now from heaven!
Interment will be at Logan City Cemetery with a dedication of the gravesite and military honors by the American Legion following the celebration his life services.
We love you Dad. You “did the best you could” for all of us and know you will be greatly missed and loved by all of your posterity until we see you again.