Dorothy M. Stephenson, 70, of Stone Rd., Theresa, formerly of Rossie, passed away Sunday June 18, 2017 at home while under the care of her family and Hospice of Jefferson County.
Born of March 3, 1947 in Carthage, N.Y., she was one of nine children of Robert H. and Alice M. Pierce Ward and she attended Indian River High School.
She married Ray E. Stephenson on August 28, 1965 at the Philadelphia Methodist Church with the Rev. Hutchins, officiating.
The couple owned and operated a farm on the Lead Mine Rd. for 30 years and after farming they operated a machinery rental business for silage preservation.
Mrs. Stephenson was a Girl Scout Leader in Rossie for a time.
She loved birds, horses and flower gardening.
Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Ray; three children- son and daughter-in-law, William “Bill” and Valerie Stephenson, Theresa, N.Y., son, Sam Stephenson and companion, Holly Seymour, Clayton, N.Y., daughter and son-in-law, Bobbie and Ron Soules, Red Creek, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Erin Stephenson, Oswego, N.Y., Amber Evans, Rossie, Kaleb Stephenson, Theresa; three great-grandchildren; seven siblings; sisters, Mary Piquet, Oswego, Barbara McKee and husband Norbert, VA, Sherry Bacon and husband Michael, Heuvelton, N.Y., Bonnie Martin and husband Peter, Tucson, AZ; brothers, James Ward and wife Christine, Philadelphia, N.Y., Ken Ward and wife Darlene, Theresa, Charles Ward, VA; nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents and a brother, Richard “Dickie” Ward (Vietnam War) died before her.
Donations may be made to the Richard E. Winter Cancer Treatment Center, 5 Lyons Place, Ogdensburg, N.Y. 13669.
Burial will be in Redwood Cemetery, Redwood, N.Y. at a later date.
Arrangements are with Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, and condolences may be made online at www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com.