Genevieve Janice Stephenson, 78
Genevieve Janice Stephenson, 78, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, and went to join the Lord to prepare a place for us.
She was born March 30, 1936, in Lake Andes, S.D., to John G. Chytka and Marjorie Clayton.
After their parents’ divorce, Genny and her sister lived in various foster homes until their early teens. They then traveled to Okanogan, Wash., to live with their father and stepmother Olinda. Genevieve attended a Catholic school in Omak and then public school in Okanogan.
She met the love of her life, Ray, at the roller skating rink. He claims that she tripped him, and he really fell for her. They were married June 10, 1953. In October, 1953 they relocated to Beaverton, Ore. where Genny finished high school in 1954 while working part time at an insurance agency. In 1955, they moved to North Portland and started a family.
She had three children Rodney (1955), Larry (1956) and Tammie. They lived in Pendleton for seven years before moving to Port Angeles, Wash., in 1962. While the young ones were in school, Genny began a career of public relations in banking, welcoming new people to the community. They moved to Everett after 13 years, including one year in Port Townsend. She continued working with a bank.
In 1978, Genny and Ray moved to Corvallis, Ore. She worked several years for the City of Corvallis in the engineering department and the fire department administration. Genny had a great desire to help other people after leaving city employment. She volunteered for 12 years with hospice and also delivered for “Meals on Wheels” during that time.
She loved to be outside at home in the garden planting flowers and pulling weeds. After 35 years in Corvallis and 61 years of marriage, Genny and Ray moved to Montana to be near their daughter. She was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, her sister Helen Jacquet, and brothers Edward and Richard Chytka.
Survivors include her husband Ray Stephenson of Libby; children Rodney (Sue) Stephenson of Spanaway, Wash., Larry (Diana) Stephenson of Lakewood, Wash., and Tammie (Dale) Sabine of Libby; five granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; and six great-grandsons.
Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby.
In lieu of flowers, please remember Genny’s kind words and deeds toward others with donations to Genny Stephenson’s Hospice Fund, Benton County Foundation, P.O. Box 911, Corvallis, OR 97339.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.schnackenbergfh.com or sent to 26 McMillan Mountain Road, Libby, MT 59923.