 STEPHENSON, GERALDINE GAIL (DENNA) At the young age of 58 our beloved Denna has passed from this world into the arms of our Lord and Savior. Our loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and true friend no longer suffers pain, but enjoys everlasting peace and tranquility in Heaven. Denna was born November 2, 1954 in Griffin, Georgia. She was the third of four daughters born to Jerry and Ruth Hastings. Denna's final breath on Earth was drawn Thursday, January 3, 2013 as she rested peacefully in her home, cared for by her family and friends. Denna and her family moved to Albuquerque when she was four years old, and she resided in New Mexico the rest of her life, first in Albuquerque, then in Farmington for three years, and then back in Albuquerque for the last 31 years. Denna was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Hastings. She is survived by her husband of 36 years Burt Stephenson; her daughter Mistie Micklevitz and husband Davy; step-son Brian Stephenson and wife Lisa; five grandchildren Shay, Vance, Robert, Lesley, and Sara. Additional survivors include her father Jerry Hastings; her sisters Robbin Hulette and husband Steve, Georgia Bose and husband Tom, and Jackie Latini; numerous nieces, nephews, their spouses, and their children. Always the first to volunteer when help was needed, Denna was a tireless worker, generous to a fault, a staunch defender of family and friends, and all-around good person. She loved the outdoors, especially family camping trips where she earned the well-deserved nickname, "Cookie." She adored her grandchildren, and to the last moment of her last day just the sight of them brought a radiant smile to her face. Denna was self-employed for a time with her own companies, Deenie Weenie Ice Cream Truck and Burt's Pets. The greater part of her career life was in the wholesale floor covering industry selling ceramic tile, sheet vinyl, and carpet in New Mexico and Colorado. Her employers included New Mexico Supply Company, Thunderbird Steel, Classic Design, LD Brinkman Company, Congoleum Corporation, and Beaulieu of America. She was well-know for the excellent service she provided to her retail customers throughout her sales territories, most of whom she counted among her numerous friends. Denna's family wants to extend special thanks to those who fought for her life and eased her ultimate passage - New Mexico Cancer Center, Dr. Amit Shah, Dr. Natalie Marshall, Dr. Clark Haskins, Amy Harris; Comfort Keepers, Kaye Tipton, Debbie Elias; Hospice Compassus, Julia Lujan, and many others who provided help and comfort. To celebrate this extraordinary woman and to thank God for giving all of us the wonderful gift of her life, a memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel East, 12820 Indian School Road NE in Albuquerque on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 7:00 PM. All who knew her are encouraged to attend.
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