Florence Stevens Strate

Florence Stevens Strate, 104 and 8 months, entered her heavenly home on Sunday, May 05, 2024.  Florence was born in Juarez, Mexico to Benjamin Earl Stevens and Harriet Viola Jackson, as World War I was ending.  She was the middle of nine children with four older siblings: William, Earl, Ruth Allen, Mabel and 4 younger: Myrle Sawyer, Wayne, Ona Skinner, and Grant. All have preceded her in death as has her husband, Sterling J Strate and her son David (Brenda). She has two living children: Eric Strate (Laurel) and Nancy (Brook) Thyfault. Florence has 7 grandchildren: Adell Atwood, Justin Strate, Camille Fairbanks, Mackayla Turley, Benjamin Strate, Gloria Delgado, and Jacob Thyfault, as well as 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many extended family and friends who cherish and honor her memory.

Living in Mexico presented its challenges, so Florence and her family moved to El Paso for greater opportunities. She often visited and worked summers in Mexico on her father’s ranch. She was fluent in both English and Spanish and was proud to be a dual citizen.

She graduated from Austin High School in  1937 and attended Brigham Young University for 3 years. There she met Sterling J Strate where they were voted most handsome couple at BYU. 

Marrying in 1941 Florence traveled with her husband to many states and military bases in America: Florida, Alabama, Virginia, California, and Colorado, although her roots were in El Paso and she considered it home. It’s no surprise that after her husband retired from the Air Force, they chose to make El Paso their permanent home. She has lived here continuously since 1968 and loved being a part of the culture and heritage that made El Paso near and dear to her heart.

A life-long, devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Florence served in many callings within the church. She taught in Primary, was Relief Society and Primary secretaries and a visiting teacher. She was quick to offer compassionate service: to clean a sick friend’s home, take in a meal to those in need, and offer a lending ear to those who sought a friend. Florence served with love, expecting nothing more than love in return.

An accomplished violinist, Florence played in the El Paso Symphony Orchestra until she was 92 years old. She enjoyed practicing for and performing in concerts. She loved to cook, garden, and sew and could whip up a beautiful dress or a scrumptious meal in no time. Her hobbies included, first and foremost, her children and grandchildren, homemaking, and caring for her aged mother until her death.

 In her life the Great Depression, World War II and technological advances occurred.  She watched Model T cars replace horses, marveled at the invention of the computer and color television, and watched as men walked on the moon. 

She was an extraordinary wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt who accepted others and loved easily.  She will be remembered with respect and fondness as an elect lady who loved the Lord with all her heart, might, mind and strength. She was always  loving and will forever be loved. 

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Homes West, 480 N. Resler. A graveside service will follow at 1:30pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave. El Paso, Texas.

Funeral arrangements handled by Sunset Funeral Homes West.