Annette R Stensland

She was born in Memphis, Tenn in 1941 to Anthony “Doc” Rogers and Elizabeth “Betty” Rogers while her father was serving his residency for medical school. During the war years she lived with her mother, sister, and brother with family in Wyoming while her father served as a doctor in the Army in the European theater.

After the war the family settled in Greybull, Wyoming where Annette spent her childhood. She had fond memories of her childhood with time spent on the farm of family friends, picnics on the mountain, and her mom making cookies for school. She attended high school in Greybull and upon graduation went to the University of Wyoming in Laramie to start college studies. Although she was homesick, she stayed at school, with support from her parents for her plans.

Annette married Robert “Bob” Stensland in 1961 and they had three children together, Tamara, David, and Sarah. Being a mother was something Annette had always wanted to be, and her children, and later grandchildren, were always her greatest joy. She and her family moved around extensively, but they lived in Bartlesville, OK for several years and Annette had many fond memories of her time there. Providing loving care to children was always very important to her, and she and her close friend, Janice, attempted to start a Mother’s Day out program at their church at a time when there was little childcare available for moms needing a break from child raising. While they did not succeed at their church, other mothers were inspired by their example and successfully started programs at other churches.

Annette spent her final years living with her daughter Sarah and her family in Florida where she was able to continue doing what she loved most and help care for her grandchildren. Over time health issues made it more difficult for her to be as active in their lives, but she was able to live at home for many years and only required extra care at a rehabilitation center the last month of her life.

While she lived in Florida she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing the piano, sewing, baking, visiting historic places in the U.S. with her family and visiting her children, brother and sisters. Her faith was important to her and attending church was an important place for her to be.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her older sister Charlotte Butler. She is survived by her sister Serena Hunt, brother Steve Rogers, ex-husband Robert Stensland, her three children, Tamara Harpster, David Stensland and Sarah de Souza, and her seven grandchildren, along with multiple nieces and nephew.

She was loved by her family and will be sorely missed. They will continue to remember her sense of humor, love of family, and the importance of living in the moment.

Celebration of Life Services will be held

August 17th, 2025 - 2 pm

Surfside Church

2818 S US Hwy 1 Ste E3

Fort Pierce FL

And

September 20th, 2025 - 2:30 pm

Billings Library Community Room

Billings, MT

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given in her honor to Shalom Ministries.

https://shalommeal.org.