In loving memory of Robert Ellsworth Stevens

Obituary

Robert (Bob) Ellsworth Stevens, 85, of Evanston, IL died peacefully with his son & wife by his side on Thursday, February 9, 2023, in New Smyrna Beach Florida after a short stay at the hospital.

Bob was born on November 6, 1937, to Lillian & OE (Steve) Stevens in Baltimore, MD and grew up in the northern suburb of Towson with his younger sister, Lynnie. He graduated from Towson HS in 1955 & after a year at Baltimore City College transferred to Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. After completing his degree, he worked for Young Life in youth ministry and later attended Columbia Seminary in Atlanta, GA. While on Young Life staff, he met and married Jane Haught in 1962 and together they had two children, Cathy (1966) & Rob (1968).

In 1978, he was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in Atlanta. Shortly thereafter he started working at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Florida. He helped that church grow into a parish and became their first rector. In 1987, he served as rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Orlando, Florida until his retirement in 1998.

For Bob, family was everything and was our underpinning of support. He was loving, honest and fiercely cared about the world and those around him. He was an avid reader and a crazy sports fan. He loved the Atlanta Braves and became a huge fan of the Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse team. (National Champs for 3 years in a row) There were many nights of rare steak, good wine and lively conversation shared with family and dear friends. He most cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. He lived a full and happy life and will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of 60+ years, Jane, sister Lynnie, son Rob (Jennifer), daughter Cathy (Rick), and 4 wonderful grandchildren, Hannah & Jack Stevens and Steve & Lillian Gustafson, and many extended family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 2pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, NH and in Evanston, Illinois on May 19, 2023. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, NH, St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church, Evanston, IL or Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chicago, Illinois.

Service

Location:

St. John’s Episcopal Church
101 Chapel St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

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Date & Time:

April 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM

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Roslyn Harden Scott says:

06 Nov 2023

I am grateful to have joined Bob (and family) for ministry as part of Young Life. He welcomed me and valued what I had to contribute--a gift, especially for a woman in the 70's! He was passionate about his faith, love of family, and investing in relationships in the community. He created a collaborative and fun staff environment as well as valuing differences and encouraging personal growth. I continue to be thankful for his mentoring during that time in my life.
Thinking of you, Janie and "kids", on his birthday today!
Janis Tracy-Andrus says:

18 May 2023

Bob will be greatly missed in our neighborhood. He was the best to sit and talk with during the neighborhood gatherings- life of the party and when we had one on one time with him and Janie it was always special. He was a deeply caring and very interesting fun person to be with.
Love to you all!
Janis and Bob Andrus
Susan Folwell says:

15 Apr 2023

Bob and the entire Stevens family were dear friends of our family through the years. Bob always had a way of really listening, and conveying kindness and great humor. The last time I saw him was at a memorial service for my father at All Saints Winter Park in 2022. It was not easy for him to attend, but he and Janie are/were steadfast in their friendship and support of my parents and our family... and he was there with his characteristic warmth and love. I was touched at their presence at the service and am grateful to have had the chance to talk with Bob then. My parents loved them dearly; so many of us did. I can only imagine the reunion they have had now that he is with them once again.
David Stanford says:

14 Apr 2023

Bob was a dedicated and outgoing Young Life leader, and embodied the Young Life motto of “winning the right to be heard” and the “go ye…” principle of “friendship evangelism’. From our first meeting at a track practice at Edgewater HS, Bob has reached out and mentored me in my faith growth. I will always be indebted to his friendship and encouragement. And it has been a blessing to know Kathy & Rick down through the years. Bob preached for our wedding, and Kathy and Rick asked me to preach at theirs. A small world and an important network of relationships!
Peace be upon Bob and all the family.
Ann Folwell Stanford says:

14 Apr 2023

Bob was my Young Life leader in high school and it has been a great gift to know him and Janie throughout the years. Bob was smart, funny, and warm. A bright light has gone from the world.
Christopher Epting says:

12 Apr 2023

An old friend and colleague in ministry, Bob was a passionate and faithful servant of the God of justice and peace. I was honored to serve alongside him.