Obituary - Ann Natalie Stephens

Ann Natalie Stephens passed away Oct. 8, 2017, in Kalispell, Montana, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 90 years old.

Ann was born Feb. 17, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the only child of Allan and Agnes Hanson.

When Ann was 12 years old, the family moved from Minneapolis to Havre, Montana. She attended Havre schools, graduating from Havre High School in 1945. Through the years, she fondly remembered her time as a Havre High School cheerleader. She also cherished her many school friendships that remained steadfast through the years.

Ann continued her education at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics in 1949. She briefly taught home economics in Wilsall, Montana, and later in Havre.

In 1954, Ann married Stan Stephens in Havre. There, the couple raised two daughters, Lannie and Carol. Ann continued to share her home-making skills by providing her family with a strong foundation of love, warmth and security. She also spoiled the family with her cooking and seamstress abilities. Outside the home, she continued to enjoy her dear Havre friends in bowling, golf and card games.

In 1988, Ann's life turned over a new chapter when Stan was elected Governor of Montana. Stan and Ann relocated to Helena, where both assumed new roles, Stan as governor and Ann as first lady. During this time, the couple was blessed with countless new adventures and friends. Ann had the honor of renovating the Governor's Mansion and hosting many events and activities. She particularly bonded with Elsie Jones, who lovingly cared for the Governor's Mansion for 40 years. Ann oversaw the planting of "Elsie's Tree" on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion to honor Elsie's dedicated service to Montana. Ann also took particular interest in supporting Intermountain Children's Home.

The couple retired in 1993 and settled in Kalispell, Montana. They additionally spent several winters in Rancho Bernardo, California, enjoying the sunshine and golf, but always happily returning each spring to their beloved Montana.

Ann led a good full life and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Stan, and daughters, Lannie (Lloyd) Gillin and Carol Donaldson, all of Kalispell. She is also survived by five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and two granddogs.

Services for Ann will be Friday Oct. 13, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Parkway, Whitefish, Montana.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.

The family requests that memorials be sent to Intermountain Children's Home, 244 Willow Glen Drive, Kalispell, Montana 59901.