Albert Stephens

Albert John Stephens passed away on May 11, 2016 at a care facility in Portland, Oregon. He was 78 years old. John is survived by his three children, David, Lisa and Johnny; three grandchildren, Amber, Zachary and Bryce; and one great-grand child, Grayson; four sisters, Doris Anderson, Cheryl Steinmetz, Janice Heinl and Jeannie Jewett and two brothers, Jack and Joe Stephens. John was born in Grygla, Minnesota to Walter and Emma Stephens on July 26, 1937. In 1945 the family moved to Sunnyside, Washington where John attended school and helped on the asparagus farm the family owned. In 1949 the family moved to Toppenish, Washington. John graduated from the Toppenish School District in 1957. While in school he participated in track and football. He could run very fast and won many sprints. His friends referred to him as “rocket man.” In 1958, John joined the Air Force. He received a general discharge after a short time due to health issues. On returning home from the Air Force, John became employed at the California Packing Company and the U & I Sugar Company in Toppenish, Washington. In 1967, John married Ramona Garcia of Toppenish, Washington. They had three children and during this time he became employed at the Longview Fibre Company in Yakima, Washington. John purchased a home in Toppenish, Washington and he lived there until he was confined to a care facility. John was stricken with a variety of health and medical issues in his late sixties and was soon confined to a care facility in Yakima, Washington. John was, eventually, transferred to a care facility in Portland, Oregon to be closer to his children for care and attention. He lived there until he passed away. May he rest in peace. Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on May 21st, 2016 at the Elmwood Cemetery in Toppenish, Washington. Valley Hills Mortuary, Yakima, Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Albert Stephens, please visit our flower store.