Age 95, Luray, Va.
Gena Ellen Gander Stephens, 95, of Luray, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Shenandoah Terrace in New Market.
She was born on August 20, 1928, in Luray and was a daughter of the late Lester H. Gander and Lelia B. Shaffer Gander.
Gena earned a bachelor’s degree from Madison College, now James Madison University. She retired with 30 years of service as a human resource officer for the Federal Reserve Bank in Washington, D.C. Following retirement, she worked 25 years for the National Park Service.
While with the Park Service, she worked many summer seasons in locations throughout the U.S. including the Wright Memorial in North Carolina, Mesa Verde in Colorado, Denali in Alaska, and Glacier in Montana. While many of her roommates there were much younger, she easily kept up with them whether at work or on lengthy hikes in the Parks.
All during her life Gena was a world traveler visiting every continent except Antarctica. She had a lifelong fascination with elephants which all her friends and relatives were aware of, so many of her gifts included likenesses of elephants that she proudly displayed in her beloved apartment in D.C.
Gena is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph “Joey,” John M. and James E. Gander; and two sisters, Marjorie C. Bedore and Lennis F. Gander.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 16, at the Leaksville Christian Church by Pastor Robert Griffith, with visitation one hour prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Gander Family Cemetery in Luray.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Luray Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 266, Luray, VA 22835.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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