Elissa Stevens

“Life lived well, open to any adventure” Elissa Jean Wood Stevens, 77, of Teasdale, Utah, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on July 31, 2011 from complications due to pancreatic cancer. Elissa was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, volunteer, adventure-leader, and friend to all. Elissa was born on December 23, 1933 in Portland, Oregon to James and Mary Wood. Elissa graduated from Granite High School and went on to study at the University of Utah. Elissa managed a Psychiatric Clinic for many years, ran several small businesses, and particularly enjoyed running her Cockscomb Inn Bed & Breakfast in Teasdale, Utah. In “retirement”, Elissa worked as the Director of Tourism for Wayne County, was President of the Wayne County Senior Citizens Center, served on the Resource Conservation and Development Committee, and the RSVP Volunteer Boards for the Six County Area. She was also instrumental in developing Hospice and recycling programs for Wayne County. Elissa truly loved the people of Teasdale and Wayne County as well as living there. Elissa married Walter Stevens Jr. in December 1954 and together they had four children; they were later divorced. Elissa lived life to the fullest, accepted people as they were, made new friends wherever she went, jumped at the chance for an adventure, and desired to and did help those in need whenever she could. We always said that Mom had a busier social and volunteer life than all of us kids put together. Elissa loved traveling, skiing, hiking the Wasatch, backpacking anywhere, and spending time with friends and family, particularly in the redrock country of southern Utah. Her love of the desert southwest lives on in her children and grandchildren, who share her joy of hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring the canyons of southern Utah. Elissa was preceded in death by her parents; sister Mary Adella (“Della”) Wood & two baby brothers, Jay & Jimmy. Elissa is survived by her children, Kimberly Stevens; Jeffrey (Deborah) Stevens; Jennifer (Eric) Smith; Craig (Ruth) Stevens; brother, Elder L. (“Sonny”) Wood; grandchildren, Brianna, Hilary, Katie, Annie, Hannah, Austin; and many nieces and nephews. She leaves countless friends, particularly in Salt Lake City, Teasdale, and Wayne County – thanks to all of them for their friendship, caring of, and concern for our Mom. Memorial Celebrations of Elissa’s life for friends and family will be held on August 15, 2011 from 6-8 pm at Red Butte Garden (Orangerie), 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, (please carpool – parking is limited) and on August 21, 2011 from 3-5 pm at the Teasdale Cultural Center, Teasdale, Utah (next to her house). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Elissa's name to one of the following: Wayne County Senior Center, PO Box 242, Bicknell, UT 84715 or Utah Open Lands, 2188 Highland Dr. #203, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 or online at www.utahopenlands.org. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to everyone at Sunbrook Hospice and Gunnison Valley Hospice. On line guest book at: www.springerturner.com