Keith Leroy Stephens, 79, of Curlew, WA passed away July 9, 2019 in Liberty Lake, WA.

Keith was born July 12, 1939 in Winchester, ID, the seventh of William "Montie" and Mary (Buckles) Stephens' eight children.  After graduating from Winchester High School in 1957, he attended the University of Idaho earning a degree in Physical Education while also working for the US Forest Service.  Following two years of service in the Army, Keith went to work for the Job Corps. He started at the Cedar Flats Job Corps in Idaho and then transferred to the Curlew, WA Job Corps in 1969 where he worked until his retirement in 1994. At the Job Corps, he taught math to young adults and acquired the lasting nickname "Sugar Bear".  Keith loved his family and living in the country. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who loved sports and the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Janet (Helphrey) Stephens, two daughters Tami (Jason) Wills, Brenda (Ian) McMahon, two brothers Duane Stephens and Max Stephens both of Grangeville, ID, one sister, Joan Turula of Toledo, WA and three grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service will be held at the Curlew Civic Hall Saturday August 24 ^th , at 11:00AM with Roger Thiele officiating.