Helen Jane Stephens

Helen was born in Marfa, TX on January 21, 1931, her family later moved to El Paso, TX where she meet her sweetheart Jim, whom she later married in Las Cruses, NM. They moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1963, where she worked as a switchboard operator at Anchorage Community Hospital, which was where she was when the 1964 Alaska Earthquake hit. In 1967, she and her family moved to the Kenai Peninsula, where she enjoyed walking on the beach, collecting agates, and bowling. Helen worked at Hartley Motors, Carrs and Zales Jewelers, she even worked in the canneries one summer in Kenai. In 1978 she opened The Diamond Boutique with her best friend Helen Chenault, later selling it to take over and operate La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant with her husband Jim. The couple retired in 1985, moving to Hobbs, NM. In 1995 they moved to Camp Wood, TX and eventually to Conroe in 2002 to be closer to family.

Survived by son Kenneth Stephens (Tina) of Austin, TX and daughter Elizabeth Hadden (Lowell) of Conroe, TX. Grandsons Jim Stephens (Kelli) of El Paso, TX, Randy Stephens and Ricky Stephens both of Austin, TX, Chris Endsley (Shelly) of Soldotna, AK. Granddaughters Toni Barney (Josh) of Loveland, CO, Jamie Looney of Perkins, OK and Ranee’ Linton of Conroe, TX and 16 great grandchildren. Helen loved her family fiercely. She will be remembered fondly by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will miss her quick wit and the mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

Sisters Myra Reyes (Henry), Ceci Borunda (Sam) both of El Paso, TX, Ida Ronquillo (Luis) of Kingwood, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by mother Elisa Garza, stepfather Fred Garza, her mother-in-law Fonnie McCormick, brother-in-law Johnnie Stephens, and sister-in-law Mary Nuff.

The family would like to thank New Century Hospice for the care and comfort they provided for Helen, as well as her private caregivers, who assisted Helen on a daily basis.