Stanford Stevens

Stanford Kent “Boo” Stevens was born to Clarence and Bessie (Rutledge) Stevens in Lodge Grass, Montana, March 20, 1924. He went to the other side camp in the early morning of June 17, 2022. His father Clarence was a combat infantry veteran of World War I and a lifelong cowboy and rancher. His mother Bessie was a highly respected educator.

Stan was very proud of his Crow Tribal heritage. He was the descendant (great grandson) of a true Montana Pioneer, Thomas Kent, who followed the Bozeman Trail with John Bozeman to the gold fields in Bannack and Virginia City/Nevada City/Alder Gulch in the early 1860's. Thomas Kent later married the adopted daughter/niece of a Crow Indian Chief, her name was “What She has is Well Known” (later shortened to Mary Kent) which is where the Native American ancestry in the extended Stevens family originates. The site of their original ranch/homestead and family cemetery is at the confluence of Bridger Creek and the Yellowstone River, near Greycliff, Montana.

Stan moved with his parents and older brother Frank to Browning, Montana, during the Great Depression in the mid 1930's, where his mother had accepted employment as a local educator. He graduated from Browning High School with the Class of 1942. Stan began studying for his undergraduate degree at the University of Montana, in Missoula, where he had received a sports scholarship. United States involvement in World War II was in full swing at this time and like millions of young men of “the greatest generation”, Stan answered his country's call to arms. The young American men of his generation truly saved the world from fascism.

Stan enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in June 1943, serving until after the conclusion of the war in 1945 with the 463rd Army Air Forces Base Unit. He was trained as a combat air crewman and served as a radio operator/aerial machine gunner initially on the Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” and later on the Consolidated B-24 “Liberator” long range heavy bomber aircraft. He attained the rank of Sergeant. He was a recipient of the American Theater Service, Army Good Conduct, and World War Two Victory Medals. He was honorably discharged from the service in February 1946.

Stan returned to complete his undergraduate education at the University of Montana in Business Administration. He was also a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Stan met his future wife, Joyce (Gauthier), a pharmacy student, on a blind date at a joint dance/party put on by the Sigma Kappa Sorority and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity in 1947.

Stan and Joyce were married October 18, 1948. To this union five children were born: Michael Kent (1949), Julie Anne (1951), Patrick Blake (1953), Stanford Mark (1955), and Kelly John (1957).

The couple initially moved to Butte, Montana for employment, but relocated to Billings, Montana, where they ultimately purchased their home on Miles Avenue. They would raise their children, and both live in this home until the end of their lives on earth. This endearing home would be the scene of countless Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter holiday dinners, birthdays, and family celebrations involving several generations of the Stevens family.

Stan had several jobs over his career to include Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana, the Mountain States Telephone Company, and sales/distributorship with the Rainier Brewing Company. In 1970, he began his own cattle ranching/farming operations in the Lodge Grass and Pryor areas. He continued his business career as the Executive Director of the Big Horn Economic Development Administration for the benefit of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Tribes, as well as the City of Hardin. He was a Crow Tribal Planner and the manager of the Montana Minority Business Development Center. Stan retired in 1985 but continued his ranching/farming operations for many years after this.

Stan was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Bessie Stevens, older brother Frank Stevens, his wife of over 70 years Joyce Stevens, who passed in 2019, and son Patrick Stevens, who tragically passed in 2000. Survivors include Mike (Sioux), Julie (Ben), Mark (Kate), Kelly (Terri), 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 11 step great grandchildren, and 4 great-great step grandchildren. Also included are many cousins, nephews, the families of Marion Kaiser, Bud and Gail Gauthier, Leta Gauthier, Yvonne Duffy, and Patty and Harold Hughes. The family would like to extend deepest gratitude to grandson Kris Cunningham M.D. for assisting the family in navigating his grandpa's healthcare in the final years of his life. The ER doctors and Hospitalists at SCL Health provided dedicated care to Stan during his hospitalizations. We would also like to thank Julie and Ben Hoffman for the persistent care, management, and oversight of Stan's medical and personal affairs. Special appreciation for his earth angel caregivers Leilani, Tanya, Donna, Brittany, Alicia and granddaughters Kara and Kacey for providing round the clock companionship and care. Stan looked forward to his weekly visits from his granddaughter Jessica, who always brought him flowers.

Our family has enjoyed many wonderful times together, too numerous to mention. Our parents/grandparents developed our appreciation of a good work ethic. They have instilled in our family a great appreciation of country life and the great outdoors. Mom made certain we went to church every Sunday. Dad shared with us many interesting stories regarding Crow Indian culture and our family history. As a child, Stan was told to sit and listen to the family discussion about the “upper country”. Many people, friends and family have been fortunate to hear the family oral history that Stan has passed down to the present generation from generations long since passed. Our parents/grandparents were very steadfast people. They accepted family tragedy and triumph with overwhelming dignity. Consequently, they are the foundation of a family of great character.

A celebration of Stan's life is scheduled for Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. A barbecue luncheon will be served following at the Kurth Family Barn located at 56th Street West and Central Avenue. Viewing will be Wednesday, June 22 4-8 p.m., and Thursday, June 23 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Internment with military honors at Yellowstone National Veteran's Cemetery will be Friday, June 24, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Dahl Funeral Chapel will be handling funeral arrangements.

Author: Lt. Kevin Cunningham, Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office

(Eldest grandson of Stanford K. and Joyce G. Stevens)