Elza Ray Stephens

Mr. Elza Ray Stephens, passed away on August 26, 2021 at 8:05 pm. with his family. He fought diabetes, dementia, heart surgery, and kidney failure like a true soldier. Who he was though, was not the sum of his diseases. He was tenacious, stubborn, loyal, faithful, diligent, wise, compassionate and strong willed. If you knew him years ago you are aware of his ability to fix the un-fixable, his amazing mechanical mind, his ability to play music. His favorite instrument had to be the Dobro. His easy laughter, big grin and yet a somewhat shy nature will be what many remember him by. As with most men of his generation, he took pride in a hard day's work. As a papaw, he thrived! There was nothing he wouldn't do, costume he wouldn't wear, food he wouldn't eat, or amount of time he wouldn't take, when it came to his grandchildren. The testimony he gave is of him being saved behind a mule as he was plowing, not long after losing his mother at the age of 16. He said he was behind the mule and realized he was no different than that mule because they were both lost. He asked Jesus to save him right there, and being so filled with joy, he went around to the front of the beast and hugged it tight and kissed it.
The family bond with The Neighborhood of Somerset has been a true blessing. It's obvious how much they loved him because they are kind, devoted people. He was like their dad in some ways. Elza was a 32nd degree mason, a member of Sievers Lodge of Nancy. He was a Vietnam veteran having served most of his service stationed in Germany. He loved wood working, music; and his motorcycle, but most of all his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.
Elza Ray Stephens, son of the late Cleo and Lissie Grammer Stephens, was born April 27, 1941 and he departed this life on August 26, 2021 in Somerset, KY. He was united in marriage to Louise Foster on November 6, 1959. She preceded him in death on August 6, 2005. He is survived by; one daughter, Lisa Rae Stephens Meece, two grandchildren, Sarah Beth Meece and Eli Meece; and one brother, Cleo Dewell Stephens of Greenwood, Indiana; Betty Dykes his special friend; and a host of other relatives and friends who mourn his passing. Other than his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Jean Huesman and Maudena Lafavers. He attended the Ferguson Baptist Church.
A funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 30, 2021 at the Chapel of the Pulaski Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in the Mill Springs National Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post # 38. The family of Elza Ray Stephens will receive friends at the Pulaski Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. Monday until time for services.
Pulaski Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.