Ronald Dale"Ronnie"Stephens

A cherished and devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, he died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006. He was 70 years old and a native of Baton Rouge. He was special to all who knew him and will be terribly missed. He was involved in the real estate business inSouth Louisianafor 45 years. An avid hunter and LSU fan, he never missed an opportunity to have a good time. He was a 1955 graduate ofBaton RougeHigh School, a graduate of LSU, a member of Kappa Alpha order, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a member of Le Circle de Bacchus, Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited and Baton Rouge Apartment Association. He leaves behind to cherish his memory two loving daughters, Stephanie Stephens and Shannon Stephens Thaxton; son-in-law, Trey Thaxton; and two beautiful granddaughters that he adored, Caroline Grace Thaxton and Emma Cate Thaxton. He is also survived by two sisters, Mona Stephens Shaw and Linda Stephens Johnson and husband Kim; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Murphy Alton and Catherine Ellfors Stephens; and a brother-in-law, John Shaw. Visiting will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 5 p.m.to 8 p.m.Visiting continues at the funeral home chapel on Monday, Dec. 18, after 8:30 a.m.until religious service at 9:30 a.m., conducted by his lifelong friend, James H. Gill. Interment inGreenoaksMemorial Park. Pallbearers will be Wayne Heard, Gerald D'Armond, Bill Humphreys, Bill Robinson, Clay Richard, Lemmie Dickerson, Ed Howell, David Walsh and Frank McGee. Honorary pallbearers are George "Bub" McNutt, Tom Ward, John Squires, Jody Fail, Rolfe McCollister Jr., Ted Prudhomme, Roy"Moonie" Winston, Zeke Dunaway, Jim Thomas, Leon Albert and Wick Cooper. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children'sResearchHospital.