Erika Stephens
June 26, 1926 — July 18, 2008
Henefer a�" Erika Rudolph Stephens, 82, passed away Friday, July 18, 2008, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Silesia, Germany, on June 26, 1926 to Herrmann and Martha Gunther Rudolph. She had a wonderful childhood sharing it with her younger brother, Manfred. She and her mother became refugees near the end of World War II and endured a long period of much suffering and sacrifice, including the loss of her beloved father.
She married Manfred Fiedel in Coburg, Germany, and immigrated to America in 1955. They had three children; Angelika, Ursula, and Roland. She married Albert Johansson and they had one son Pete. She married Edison J. Stephens in 1985 and has had 22 happy years living in Henefer.
She worked for the Utah Department of Agriculture for many years where she met her husband, Edison. She loved music, gardening, stamp collecting, cooking, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Erika was an active member of the LDS Church and served as ward organist for many years. From 1990 to 1991 she served a mission with her husband, Edison, to the San Antonio, Texas mission, where they were assigned to the German area of Fredericksburg. Her life was an example of hard work, charity, and always putting others before herself. One of her legacies was to always remember every family member's birthday with a card and a special note. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Edison, children: Angelika (Richard-deceased) Hoyt, Ursula (Ron) Witzel, Roland (Danielle) Fiedel, and Pete Johansson. She is also survived by the Stephens sons and daughters: Marsha (Ralph) Crittenden, Saundra a�" deceased (Doug) Toole, Dee (Kathryn) Stephens, Kyle (Joanne) Stephens, Launa (Blaine) Blonquist, Lori (Tim) Gines, Becky (Todd) Thurston. She has 34 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren (three on the way), and five great-great grandchildren (one on the way). Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Anne Rudolph.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Manfred; Edison's daughter, Saundra and one great-great grandson Brigg Gines.
The family would like to thank hospice nurses Marcene, Lynne, and Corey Ann (granddaughter and CNA) for their loving care of Erika during her last few weeks.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 25, 2008, at the Henefer Chapel in Henefer, UT at 1 p.m. A viewing will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the services. Interment will be at the Henefer Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the LDS Church Missionary fund.
Send condolences to the family at www.walker-mortuary.com