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07/02/2024 - Gooding, Idaho, USA

Annie Lou Stevens, a longtime resident of Gooding, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Stonebridge Assisted Living in Hagerman.

Annie Lou (Astorquia) Stevens was 90 years young.  She was born in Gooding, Idaho to Basque parents Josephine (Ensunsa) and Eusebio Astorquia on October 31, 1933.  She lived a long and good life. Born and raised on her parent’s sheep ranch, she grew up loving the western way of life. She carried her love of the outdoors, hard work and all animals, especially horses, throughout her years.

She graduated from Gooding High School with the class of 1951 and had many memorable stories to tell of that period in her life. She foregoes college after graduation finding satisfaction working various jobs. She first worked for the City of Gooding and Idaho Power, but later enjoyed sharpening her secretarial skills at the Idaho State in Pocatello. She was working at the School for the Deaf and Blind in Gooding when there happened to be a local cowboy who captured her heart.

Annie Lou and Ernie Stevens were married on Valentine’s Day in 1959.  Then followed the birth of their two children and a life filled with horses, rodeo, chariot racing and hard work. It was well known her kitchen door was always open to anyone stopping by for a visit or buying a horse. No one left without being fed a hearty meal or a piece of delicious peach pie.  After the sudden death of her husband on July 2, 2000 she continued to be involved in all things on the farm. In her later years she worked for Trinity Trucking and the Gooding School District. She liked the little kids and watching their antics.

Annie Lou is preceded in death by her parents - Josephine and Eusebio Astorquia; two sisters - Georgia and Agnes; brother - Frank and her husband - Ernie Stevens.

She is survived by her two children - Connie Jo Stevens and Ben (Carmen) Stevens; grandchildren - Sam (Malerie) Bray, Jacy Leach, Jack (Kayla) Stevens, Kenzie Stevens and Bailey (Tyler) Beadz; great grandchildren; Livee and Lexie Bray, Jesse Stevens, Tacey Stevens, Elsie Stevens, Krew Johnson and Sawyer Beadz; her six remaining sisters - Rita Zabala, Connie Pratt, Lucy Osborne, Joan Teehan, Susan Childs, Patty Raynor and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

A special thank you to Stonebridge Assisted Living staff and Kathy “Sargeant” and to Hospice Visions for their loving care.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 10:30 am at the Elmwood Cemetery in Gooding.  Lunch following at the covered picnic area at the Gooding County Fairgrounds.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.

(published in Demaray Funeral Service)

Goian Bego (GB) - May she Rest in Peace