Russell Stebar

Russell Ford Stebar, Sr., 85, of Morgan, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 17, 2018.   He is survived by his two sons, Russell Ford Stebar, Jr., 60 (Sandi) and Brian Jeffrey Stebar, 58 (Wendy).  Russell was the beloved grandfather of nine grandchildren, Brian Jeffrey Stebar II (Megan), Russell Ford Stebar III (Brittany), Lee Clifton Stebar (Jaclyn), Jacqueline Briar Erickson (Denver), Jandie Toye Lowe (Caleb), Kristine Connie Stebar, Chelsea Ann Back (Stu), Hannah Ciara Yeo (Travis), Alexandra Rae Stebar; and eleven great grandchildren.

Russell was born on September 27, 1932 in Newport, Giles County, Virginia to John Alexander Stebar and Lora Opal Ratcliffe who both preceded him in death.  Russell married Toye Mae Duncan (who preceded him in death) September 25, 1954 in Buchannan, Virginia.  They were married for 63 years.  He graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1949, and then graduated from Virginia Tech with a Masters of Mechanical Engineering degree in 1955.  He spent his life as a devoted and loving father and as a successful engineer, living in the Detroit, Michigan area.  Russell worked for General Motors Research Laboratories in Warren, Michigan for 44-years, retiring in 1998.  Russell lived a life of faith, service, and devotion as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; where he served in many callings, including the Detroit Temple Presidency, Bloomfield Hills Stake Presidency, Sterling Heights Ward Bishop, Bishopric Counsellor(s), Elders Quorum President, Young Men leader, and various teaching assignments.

When asked what he would want his posterity to learn from his life, he simply said, “I would hope they would live their lives the way I have lived, and they will be happy.”

Deepest gratitude to Sandi Stebar, Russ Stebar, Krissy Stebar, and Jandie Lowe for their months of tireless care and loving service.  Special thanks also to Corey at Encompass Home Health Services for her thoughtful care.  A brief graveside service will be conducted Monday, July 23, 2018 at 11:00am at the South Morgan Cemetery in Morgan, Utah.