Ruth Ann “Tody” Stephens

A memorial service to honor the life of Ruth Ann Stephens “Tody” will be held at 6 pm on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches.  The family will receive friends from 4 pm until service time on Wednesday the 2nd at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Ruth Ann Stephens “Tody” passed away in Natchitoches on Sunday, September 29 at the age of 73. Tody is preceded in death by, husband Merrel Alford, husband, and father of her children James W. Stephens, her parents Victor and Woodie Stevens, sister Bobbie Coats, and brother Bill Raymond Stevens “Butch.” Tody is lovingly remembered by her son James W. Stephens Jr. and his wife Jennifer Stephens, daughter Julie Stephens Navarrete and her husband Arturo Navarrete, grandchildren Molly Mae Stephens and Grayson Wesley Stephens, sisters Marilyn and husband W.D. Yates, Fran Alford, Linda Swafford, Janet and husband Ricky Emerson, and Sherry Stevens, sister-in-law Alice Hughes, and brother-in-law Donald Stephens and his wife Kay Stephens Tody was born in Ventura, California in December of 1945. She graduated from Hall Summit High School in 1963. Tody was always a hard worker and entrepreneur.  She started by working on the assembly lines of Sunbeam and Western Electric and later became a business owner.  She owned Gifts Galore and More for the past 18 years and Trophy Manufacturing for over 30 years.  Her co-workers were like family, and she made every customer feel welcomed.  Many of them still ask about her when they come in today.  Tody enjoyed creating things. She could crochet any and everything. Many people will be admiring and covering up with her afghans for years to come. Outside of crocheting, she loved making Christmas ornaments for her beloved sisters’ Christmas party.  She also stayed busy by quilting, gardening, and crafting.  She would always dive right in. Tody showed love and kindness to everyone she met. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.  You could call her any time of day and she would listen, talk, advise, and pray for you. She really did have the patience of a saint - except when playing cards. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Rickey Coats, Clyde Carter, all the sister and visitors for their endless support, compassion and care during her illness.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children — Shreveport, Attn: Development Office, 3100 Samford Ave. Shreveport, LA 71103