J.R. "Bits" Stephenson

J. R. "Bits" Stephenson died of natural causes on March 22. He was born in Missoula on May 4, 1923 to
William and Marie Stephenson. Growing up in Missoula, he attended Missoula County High School
(class of 1941), and the University of Montana. He served in the Army during WWII in the 3rd Army 13th
Armored Division during which time he took part in numerous battles throughout Central Europe.
He was preceded in death by his parents and Jean Olson Stephenson. Bits is survived by Vervian Hayes
Stephenson, children Bruce, Ann Stephenson Zomerfeld, and William, step-children Tim, Allyn, and Ken
Hayes, in addition to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Upon graduating from the University of Montana, Bits followed his father into a career in the U.S. Forest
Service, working in Missoula, Thompson Falls, Butte, Bozeman, Grangeville, Idaho, and finally back in
Missoula. He retired as the regional budget officer in 1984.
Bits loved the Montana outdoors where he enjoyed elk hunting, skiing, camping, snowmobiling,
mountain biking, hiking and spending time at Flathead Lake well into his 80's. He was known as a true
gentleman, loving family man, not to mention creative handyman and tinkerer. He will be missed by all
who knew him.
A simple memorial "wake" is planned and will be scheduled at a later date.


Read J.R. "Bits" Stephenson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.