Kenneth Lee Stephenson

Kenneth Stephenson died on October 6, 2018 at his daughter’s home in Boise County.  His only regret may have been that he didn’t die in Horseshoe Bend, it was the one and only place he ever wanted to call home.

He was raised in Horseshoe Bend on a cattle ranch, he learned to work alongside his father, Fred Stephenson, herding cows from Harris Creek to summer pastures in Brownlee, digging irrigation ditches, baling hay, and the myriad of chores needed to keep the ranch running.  He joined the United States Airforce in 1951 and was stationed in Georgia and California.  After being honorably discharged he returned to Horseshoe Bend.  He married Shirley Ann Gordon in 1954 and the couple moved to Livingston, Montana where they lived for six years. Kenneth worked for Downer Lumber there.  Their family grew to include two children in Montana, and in 1960 they moved back to Horseshoe Bend when Kenneth found work with Hoff Lumber Company.  He never wanted to leave home again.  Kenneth designed and built moulder knives at the mill in Horseshoe Bend for the next 20 years.  Then he put his skills to work at Boise Moulding and Lumber for another 10 years before officially “retiring”.  His version of retirement involved plenty of yard work, gardening, working in his shop, and long walks every day.  He spent the last four years of his life at his daughter’s home near Idaho City.  Although he appreciated the loving care he received, he never stopped longing for home in Horseshoe Bend.  Despite serious health challenger, he continued to walk on a daily basis and even kept himself busy shoveling show throughout the winter at the age of 87.

Kenneth leaves behind his wife of 64 years Shirley Stephenson, and their children David, Sharon and Peggy.  His legacy lives on in seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. With one more great granddaughter expected in November.   He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Mae Stephenson, his daughter Cathy, his brothers, Howard and Wilber, and his sisters Verna and Devota.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday October 19, 2018 at the Pioneer Cemetery in Horseshoe Bend.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the community organizations of your choice in Horseshoe Bend.  Services are under the direction of the Potter Funeral Chapel Emmett.

Following the Graveside Service there will be a Potluck held at the Ladies Club Hall in Horseshoe Bend.

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