Dale McCrellis Stephens, 58, died Monday, Sept. 7 in Modesto. He had been ill for the past nine years.

He lived in Oakdale for 58 years.

Mr. Stephens was an Air Force veteran.

He was a cement contractor. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Valk Stephens; children, Wendy Stephens, Bob Stephens, Andrew Stephens, Matt Dudley, all of Oakdale, Jon Stephens of Turlock, Kerry Stephens Leite of Annapolis, MD, Brandon Stephens stationed in Afghanistan, Stephanie Dudley Crosby of Houston, TX, Shelly Dudley Gottfredson of Folsom, Luke Dudley of Bend, OR; siblings, Donald Stephens, Foster Stephens; mother, Mildred Stephens, all of Modesto; and in-laws, Leonard and Velma Valk of Oakdale; also survived by 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Don Stephens; and son, James Stephens.

Services were held on Sept. 14 in Oakdale. Interment was at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson.

Remembrances may be made to the Kidney Foundation; or to the American Heart Association.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Sept. 23, 2009