December 7, 1936 – December 7, 2024

William A. Stephens, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on his 88th birthday, December 7, 2024, in his home surrounded by his family.
Born in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on December 7th, 1936. He was the youngest child of James E. and Myrtie H. Stephens and grew up as a 3rd generation rancher with his parents and brother James H. Stephens.
William (Bill) attended elementary school in a one room schoolhouse taught by his mother. He graduated from Gypsum High School and later earned a Bachelor of Animal Husbandry degree from Colorado A&M. Bill was an active member in FFA, college rodeo and later the World’s Fair that introduced the American sport of rodeo to Brussels, Belgium in 1958. He also served on and was a commissioner for the Colorado Agricultural Commission from 1971-1983.
Bill was married to the love of his life, Annalies Stephens, his devoted wife for 61 years. Together, they ranched on Sweetwater with their 2 children: William Stephens and Sabina Malouff.
Besides his early years rodeoing, he enjoyed haying on the ranch, driving trucks and working large machinery. He seemed happiest operating anything that consumed diesel. He always loved and adored Annalies and later helped Annalies start her passion, Stephens Nursery.
Bill is survived by his wife, Annalies, his children, Bill and wife Mary and Sabina and her husband John; and his grandchildren, Katie and her husband Ty, Sarah, Malorie, Christian, Lucas, Shelly, and Eli and he is also survived by his nieces Cindy, Debrah and Lynn.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in May at Sweetwater. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Home Care and Hospice of the Valley 823 Grand Avenue, Suite 300, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 or online http://www.hchotv.org/donate in his memory.