Ruth Elaine Rees Stenson Andrews, 100 years young, finally decided she had attended enough birthday parties and gracefully took her final bow on April 18, 2025. Born November 27, 1924, in the close-knit town of Springview, Nebraska, she was the youngest daughter of Martin "Joe" and Grace "Gracie Mae" Rees — the start of a long story filled with family, friends, faith and a lot of laughter.
She is survived by son, Randy Stenson (wife Kerry) of Highland, UT, son-in-law Duane Bodan of Lander, WY and a wonderful circle of 18 Grandchildren, 48 Great Grandchildren and 10 Great-Great Grandchildren who she loved and was loved by.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, husband George "Swede" LeRoy Stenson (who she claimed could dance better then he could fix a faucet) and later Dalton Kent "Bud" Andrews (who was always up for a road trip or fishing on a frozen lake), daughter Sherry Bodan, stepdaughters Vivian Smith, Susan Handley-McQueary, Helen Guthrie and Leora Shumway, two grandchildren Darren & DeVon Bodan and one Great Grandchild Beck Rippy.
Ruth spent many years as a reliable bookkeeper for CPAs in Casper and Lander, WY. Outside of work, she perfected the art of enjoying life: whether cutting a rug on the dance floor, swapping “stories” over endless cups of coffee with friends, serving as a “candy striper” at the local hospital, hosting wonderful dinner parties, dominating at dominoes, reading a romantic novel or spending time with her Lander Lutheran family (especially if food prep was involved). Ruth found great joy in the simple things of life and most of all … spreading unconditional loving with her whole heart.
She was proud to have lived so independently in Lander after her husband Kent passed (2003) up until she moved to Utah (2023) to live with her son Randy. She could only do this due to her remarkably good health and many close friends that helped her immensely.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held June 7, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the home of her son-in-law, Duane Bodan, 320 Cliff St, Lander, WY. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well-lived and well-loved.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Ruth would be honored by donations of any amount to either the Bethel Lutheran Church of Lander, 626 Shoshone St. or to the Lander Senior Citizens Center, 205 S. 10th St.