William (Bill) Bridges Stevens

Master Sgt. William Bridges Stevens, born Nov. 19, 1944 in Indianapolis, Ind. The oldest son of Col. William F. Stevens and Adna Bridges Stevens, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years including assignments from Oklahoma to Iceland. After retiring in 1983, he worked in the aerospace and financial industries until returning to the Phoenix area to work for America West Airlines (now, US Airways). He spent the last 10 years enjoying life in Ahwatukee Foothills near his children and grandchildren. Bill celebrated 45 years as a Master Mason and was involved in Job's Daughters International where he served as Associate Guardian of Bethel 19 in the 1980's. He earned his bachelor's degree from Southern Nazarene University and his MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix in Arizona. Master Sgt. Stevens died September 5th, 2012, and was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife of 44 years, Carolyn Kaye Dittrich Stevens. Master Sgt. Stevens was sustained in life and survived by two daughters, Tandy R. Elisala and Felicity E. Stevens, and three grandchildren, Amanda, Sarah and Steven Elisala, as well as siblings Tandy Leone Gotschall and Riley Stevens. Services will take place at 5:30pm today, September 14th, at the Legacy Funeral Home chapel, 2374 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler. DESIDERATA Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however, humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the tress and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. - Max Ehrmann

William (Bill) Bridges Stevens

November 19, 1944 - September 5, 2012