Stephen Macx Almanza

On March 3, 2022 God decided that he needed Stephen and called him home. He passed away unexpectedly at the age of 56, just five days shy of his 57th birthday.

Stephen attended school in Greeley. He later moved to Colorado Springs where he worked as a chef apprentice for multiple casinos in Cripple Creek. His family quickly became his favorite taste testers, as he perfected his cooking techniques.

Stephen will always be remembered for his enormous heart, listening ear, and a passion to help others. Anyone who knew him was touched by not only his kindness, but witty humor. He was a simple man that loved to cheer on his Broncos and Nuggets. In his spare time, you could find him fishing with his family in the Big Thompson Canyon, or adding to his admirable movie/music collections.

At the time Stephen was called home, he served as a truck driver for Heartland Express. He believed in the Lord, and talked to him all day while driving. Driving his semi throughout the U.S. and Canadian borders brought him a great peace of mind and serenity.

Stephen is survived by his son Stephen Almanza, daughter Laurie Almanza, mother Bess Roybal Alacron. Sisters - Valerie Sederstrom and Stacey Hernandez. Brother Daniel Almanza, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Everett and Frances Roybal, grandmother Mary Gomez and cousins in his home state of Colorado.

He will be missed by all who love him more than words can express.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2022 followed by a Funeral at 10:00 a.m. both at Stoddard Funeral Home on Monday, March 14, 2022 with a reception immediately following.

Footprints

"One night I had a dream.

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:

One belonging to me and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very

lowest and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me,

and I questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, You said that once I decided to follow You,

You'd walk with me all the way.

But I have noticed that during the most

troublesome times in my life,

there is only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why,

when I needed You most,

You would leave me.”

The Lord replied, 'My son, my precious child,

I love you, and I would never leave you.

During your times of trial and suffering,

when you see only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you."