F. Grant Stephens, 79

F. Grant Stephens was born March 10, 1926, to Elvis and Theodoshia Stephens in Twin Bridges, where he spent his growing-up years. He passed away Feb. 14, 2006, at the Heritage Place Care Center in Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Warren; his parents; and son-in-law, Ben Coles.

Grant married Virginia Pierce on June 10, 1948.

He is survived by his wife; one sister, Myrna Winslow, of Sheridan; one brother, Clarence, and Marian of Missoula; nine children, Anne Coles of Melstone, Larry of Finland, Dale and Marie of Helena, Linda and Roger Benjamin of Fort Benton, Bonnie and Dale Braaten of Kalispell, David and Karla of Cody, Wyo., Lloyd and Nancy of Plano, Texas, Betty and Dennis Figarelle of Great Falls, and Dicie and Fred Jangula of Missoula; 20 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many, many friends and relatives.

Grant wore several hats in providing for his family. He drove a truck, farmed, ranched, worked in a several sawmills, and even did some auctioneering in Twin Bridges, Plains and Ronan. While he had the help of a growing family, he maintained a dairy farm at Ronan.

In 1976, the family moved to Kalispell, where he has resided since. Here, after working in a sawmill, he attended Flathead Valley Community College, and then established and worked an income-tax business. Later he worked at Wal-Mart before retiring at age 74.

He suffered poor health in later years after having heart surgery and being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Grant and Virginia always had an enduring faith and trust in God that sustained them through their years together, leaving a great heritage for their children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 17, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Expo Building at the fairgrounds. Burial will be afterward at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.