Ruth Stevens

Ruth Stevens, 87, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at her home in Natchitoches, LA surrounded by her family. Services are under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6 pm until 8 pm on Monday, September 29th. A service celebrating her life and arrival in her Savior’s arms will be held at 10 am, Tuesday, September 30th, in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with Rev. Doug de Graffenreid officiating. Interment will follow at 4 pm that afternoon at Woodman Cemetery in DeKalb, TX with Robbie Bates officiating. Ruth was born the fourth of six children on April 11, 1927 to George and Soffie Walker near DeKalb, TX. She was a strong Christian woman, a loving and devoted wife and mother, an adoring and doting grandmother, and a faithful friend. Ruth was a homemaker. She cared for her family and created a loving home. She was also an exceptional hostess – welcoming into her home and entertaining family, friends, clients, members of her church, and countless others on a frequent basis. After her daughters married, she earned her realtors license and sold real estate in and around the Natchitoches area for many years. She also purchased and operated a successful beauty shop in Natchitoches during the 70’s. In her later years she served with great distinction as a full-time grandmother, by far the favorite of her many pursuits. Ruth is survived by the love of her life, best friend, and husband of 69 years, Melvin Stevens. Also by two daughters, Kay Knotts and husband Cecil and Marsha Bernard and fiancé’ Leon Kirkland; four grandchildren, Laurie Richard (Marc), Leah Bernard (Carl Bennett), Becky Coffey ( Steven), and Jeff Knotts; ten great grandchildren, Heather Richard, Amber Richard, Megan Session, Colby Session, Andrew Bernard, Joshua Coffey, Anna Coffey, Zachary Coffey, Nigel Richard, and Finnly Richard; and seven great-great grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memory is one brother, Bob Walker of Dangerfield, TX; numerous nieces and nephews all of whom she kept in contact with and remained close to, and those she considered family, including John Bernard, Kyle Robertson, and Charlotte Santos and her son, Caleb, who was always able to brighten Ruth’s day and bring a smile to her face during her last months. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Soffie Walker; sister, Eva Kate Howlett; and brothers, Wilburn, Lee Voyd and Alfred Walker. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Andrew Bernard, John Bernard, Joshua Coffey, Zachary Coffey, Jeff Knotts and Colby Sessions. Honorary pallbearers are Steven Coffey, Marc Richard, Leonard Carl Bennett, Leon Kirkland, Kyler Robertson and Cecil Knotts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Melvin and Ruth Stevens Helping Hands Scholarship, through NSU Foundation, Office of Alumni and Development, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA 71497. The family wishes to extend their sincere love, appreciation, sand thanks to Ruth’s devoted and tireless care givers, Brenda Sepulvado and Eva Denham. Also, to the wonderful staff of Hospice of Natchitoches, whose care, compassion and support has been a blessing throughout this difficult time.