Luther T. Stephens

Luther Thomas Stephens peacefully passed into eternity on Monday, November 7th, 2016, after spending a weekend surrounded by family sharing memories and saying goodbyes. He was born in Barren County, Kentucky on May 15th, 1925, to Bedford George and Laura Alice Stephens. As a young man, he enlisted in the Navy, which took him to Klamath Falls, Oregon. It was there that he met the love of his life, Ruby LaFollette in 1945. Two years later, they moved to Wapato, Washington where they started their family. Luther worked at Hanford, and then USBIA where he retired later in life.

Whether you knew him by Luther, Thomas, or Steve, he was someone who you knew was good for a laugh, and a “howdy.” Luther and Ruby had an open door policy that allowed family, friends, and even acquaintances to come and go as they pleased, often times providing housing, food, and meeting any other needs that they were capable of. He lived big, he loved big, and his family is left with many big memories to hold in their hearts until they see him again.

Luther is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Stephens, son, Billie Stephens and many siblings. Survivors include sons, Dan Stephens and wife, Nellie of Zillah, Chuck Stephens of Wapato, Tim Stephens and wife Tammy of Columbia Falls, MT, Randy Stephens and wife Karen of Yakima, daughter Pam Meyers and husband Jeff of Yakima, 11 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, brother Raymond, 2 sisters, Claudine and Vonda, special buddy Jessica Boggs, and close neighbor and friend Brittany Tew.

A special thank you to Memorial Hospice Care and Cottage in the Meadow and especially the love and care by great niece Melanie LaFollette Sandoval.

There will be two memorial services, Friday, November 18th at 10 am with the viewing on Thursday, November 17th from 4-7 pm, both at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. Burial will follow the memorial service at Reservation Memorial Park. There will be an additional service held on Saturday, November 12th at 11 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1414 S. 72nd Avenue, Yakima, WA with a viewing prior to the service.

Arrangements under the direction of Merritt Funeral Home, Wapato, WA.