Ruth Irene (Jones) Stevens

Ruth Irene (Jones) Stevens, age 89, a resident of Albuquerque since 1963, died August 31, 2016. She was born March 13, 1927 in St. Anthony, ID and raised in Blackfoot, ID. In 1946, she married Mark J. Stevens who passed away in 2008. Talented as a ballet dancer and in acrobatics, they met when she was performing in a USO show. She taught dancing in her own studios for more than 15 years. She continued to perform her daily routines of ballet and acrobatic exercises until she was well past 80. She loved ballet music, tap dancing and songs of the 1940s. She was always singing or humming. She had an enduring fascination with the child star Shirley Temple, collected her memorabilia, and knew all her songs. She played cribbage every night with her husband. They kept score over the years and she was usually ahead. The winner always got a chocolate. Ruth loved roses and enjoyed spending time cultivating her rose garden. Her greatest love and devotion was for her children and grandchildren who have lasting memories of her kindness. She was a lifelong member of the LDS church attending the Haines Ward for many years where she had many dear friends.

She is survived by her four children, Kent Stevens (Georgia), Robert Stevens (Ronald), Stephanie Mitchell, and Carol Franks (Bruce); and her grandchildren who were such an important part of her life, Caroline Schmutz, Julia Pickett, Christie Black, Bradley Mitchell, Shannon Lee, Allison Tanner, and Jill Franks; as well as 13 great-grandchildren.

A private family graveside service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Roann Sexson and the caregivers at A Love for Life who provided Ruth with such excellent, loving care for the past six months. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale who befriended and supported Ruth for many years.