Monta Edward Stephens

MONTA EDWARD STEPHENS, age 79, passed away in Sherwood, Ark. on Friday, Dec. 10, 2010. He was born in North Little Rock, Ark. on Nov. 26, 1931. Mr. Stephens was preceded in death by his father, Monta Stephens; his mother, Mabel G. Rhodes and sister Carolyn Rhodes Stanley. He is survived by his wife Claire Stephens; two sons, Capt. Robert B. Gulley, U.S.N. Ret. (Elaine) of Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, La; and Bruce D. Mace of Sherwood, Ark.; two grandchildren, Lt. j. g. Stacy Gulley of San Diego, Calif. and Stephen Edward Gulley of New Orleans; one brother, Roderick D. Rhodes of Benton, Ark.; cousin, Michael Boston of North Little Rock, Ark.; brother in law, Ross Stanley of North Little Rock and many nieces and nephews. He operated his mother's motel, Rhodes Motel, for over 35 years. He then worked for Little Rock VA Hospital, and later Burns Park until he received a debilitating injury. He loved the park and took his two dogs for a ride there everyday and to talk with friends. Edward was a lifelong member of the North Little Rock First Methodist Church; a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. He received his fifty year pin from Crescent Lodge No. 403. Edward was also a U.S. Marine and Korean War Veteran. Special thanks to Arkansas Hospice nurses, Margot, Molley and Miss Alice. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Crescent Lodge No. 403, 4701 Commercial Drive, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. A graveside funeral service will be held at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 at 10 a.m. Visitation will be on Monday, Dec. 13, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 J.F.K. Blvd, North Little Rock, Ark. Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.