Beth Stephens

Beth Earlene Stephens

Beth E. Stephens passed away Friday, March 2, 2007 at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center after a valiant battle with COPD. She was 72. Her strength and courage will always be an inspiration to her children. Beth was born May 25, 1934 in Durant Oklahoma. She was the first born daughter of Irene Gallup Butler and James Russell Butler; both preceded her in death. Beth moved to Roswell in 1942 at the age of 8. She married Walter Janecka on December 26, 1950 in Roswell. They lived in Deming, N.M. until 1959. Five children survive her from that union. Vicki Purcell Charles of Roswell, Kenneth Janecka Barbara of Phoenix AZ., Judy Sanders James of Austin, TX., Connie Stockton Don of Ft. Worth, TX., Tami Spencer Rodney of Midland, Tx. Beth returned to Roswell in 1959. She married Buddy L. Stephens in December of 1960. Three children survive her from that union. Randy Stephens Cathy of Ft. Worth, TX, Buddy Stephens, Jr. of Roswell, NM, and Billy Stephens of Lubbock, TX. Beth is survived by one sister, Kathleen Katy Spencer and her husband Kenneth of Roswell. She was preceded in death by three brothers Frank, Orrick Art, and Billy Butler. In addition Beth is survived by 20 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is survived by six nieces and two nephews. She is survived by two very special pets Sugar and Cocoa. She loved them very much and they were her best friends after she became ill.

Beth was employed by Donald Anderson from 1973-2001. After her retirement she worked part-time for the Arc Value Thrift Store. She also cared for her mother as long as her health would permit. Beth was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be remembered for her strong will and sense of humor. One of her favorite past-times was gardening. She had a green thumb and grew beautiful roses. Her children remember her wonderful cooking. As a young woman she loved to dance and listen to music. Beth was a Christian and attended Washington Avenue Baptist Church.

Graveside services will be held at Memorial Lawn Cemetery at 10:30 Monday, March 5, 2007. Pastor Randy Reeves of Washington Avenue Baptist church will officiate. Donations may be made in Beths memory to the Arc of Roswell at P.O. Box 2484, Roswell, NM 88202. Pallbearers will be her sons and grandsons.

Beth will lie in state at noon on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at Ballard Funeral Home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com. a href'http:tests4all.org

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Sunday, March 4, 2007
12pm7pm

Service

graveside service

Memory Lawn Memorial Park
2605 E. 19th St.
Roswell, NM  88201
Monday, March 5, 2007
10:30 a.m.

Cemetery

Memory Lawn Park
2605 E. 19th Street
Roswell, NM  88201