Dennis Alan Stevenson

Private First-Class Dennis Alan Stevenson, U.S. Army, was born April 4, 1940, in Los Angeles, CA, to Lois Kahler Wick and Neil Thomas Stevenson and passed to heaven on June 24, 2025, in Montrose, CO, surrounded by those he loved dearly.  Dennis spent his childhood at China Lake Naval Base, California, attending Burroughs High School, class of 1957, and Fresno State College, graduating in 1964.  He attained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He played baseball in Junior College at Gavilan College in Gilroy, CA, and spent his life cheering for his favorite teams and grandchildren who played the sport. In 1957, he entered the Army and served in Chitose, Japan as a Morse Code Specialist and Radio Operator – interpreting and intercepting coded messages from Russia during the Cold War and just before the official start of the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1960.

On June 15, 1962, he married the love of his life, Ruby Virginia Stone, in Carson City, NV. Dennis and Virginia were married 63 years and made special memories traveling to Alaska, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, and around the US to visit friends and family. Dennis taught elementary school in various places and molded the lives of young children with humor and kindness. He retired from elementary school teaching in Olathe, CO, in 1990. He had a vast resume of job experience spanning from golf shop assistant to city planner. He loved the outdoors and spent time working for the Forrest Service in Montrose, helping clear paths, mitigate fires, and helping tourists identify most wildflowers as the “Alpine Rose” regardless of their actual name. Always willing to volunteer and pitch in a helping hand, he spent time at the Hospital helping with the library and doing odd jobs when needed at the church and around the community.  

Dennis and Virginia had a full life with three children whom he encouraged to obtain higher education and service – Steven Neil, Callie Lois, and April Dawn.  
He is survived by his son, Commander Steven N. Stevenson, USN, Retired (wife, Susan Odone – children, Robyn Laura; Heather Ruby; Kyle Alan USNR, (wife, Macy); and Amber Josephine.  
Daughter, Callie Lois Preston, her husband Dave Preston, and their three children: Emalee Mitchell (husband Jason James; Ashlyn Madison, Canyon James, Presley Virginia), Brittanee McGhghy (husband Isaac Ray; Aspen Denise, Bentley Ray, Gage Curtis, Winnifred Belle, Kaitlynn Marie-Shade, Natalee Ann).
Daughter, April Dawn Christopherson (husband, Reid Monroe – children Andrew James (wife, Laura Klassen, children Sunny Rose and Penelope Eve), Brooke Elise Lindquist (husband, Morey), Reid Tanner, and Hunter Stevenson.  

He is also remembered by his brother, Gary Thomas, children Jeffery (Lori) Stevenson, Kristin Milner and husband Tom (Brayton and Brock). Mother-in-law Josephine Stone, sisters-in-law June (Everett) Baker, Judy (Ted) Bacon, brothers-in-law Keith Stone, and Marvin Stone.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to HopeWest Hospice for their compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to the HopeWest Foundation.

Memorial Services will be held at Celebration Church in Montrose, CO, on July 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with light food and refreshments to follow.  All are welcome to attend and support the family.  Private Interment will take place at a later date with Veteran’s honors at Cedar Creek Cemetery.