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Ruth "Babe" Casino Stephens, 94, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Harmony at Morgantown. A lifelong resident of the Morgantown area, Babe lived a long and beautiful life, one defined by hard work, kindness, generosity, and, most importantly, an unwavering love for her family.
She was born April 23, 1932, in Star City, the daughter of the late Joseph Casino and Minnie Brooks Casino.
Babe was a woman who believed in taking care of others. A hard worker throughout her life, she had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and cared for. Whether serving a meal, welcoming someone into her home, or simply making sure everyone had everything they wanted, she gave of herself without hesitation. Her kindness was never about recognition; it was simply who she was. She enjoyed traveling and making memories, but her greatest happiness was always found in the company of those she loved.
Of all the roles she held in life, the ones she treasured most were being a wife and mother. She shared 67 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, Johnny Rudolph Stephens, and together they built a family that remained the center of her world. She was a devoted mother and an especially proud grandmother and great grandmother. Nothing brought her greater joy than watching her family grow and celebrating the lives and accomplishments of each generation. Her love was generous, selfless, and constant, and the memories she leaves behind will be cherished for generations to come.
Babe is survived by her two sons, Mark A. Stephens (William Rutherford) of Morgantown, and Dennis J. Stephens (Deborah Stephens) of Vero Beach, Fla.; her grandchildren, Dennis John Stephens II (April Stephens), Holly Marie Stephens, Marka Marie Staley (John Staley), and Morgan Alyssa Simonetti (Scott Simonetti); and great-grandchildren, Tori Alexis Stephens, Dennis John "Trey" Stephens III, Guinevere B. Ruth Simonetti, Salvatore J. Luke Simonetti, and Brinley Allen Staley; daughter-in-law, Anna Marie Biafora Stephens- Hawkins; and sister, Jean Casino Bitonti.
In addition to her parents, Babe was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnny Rudolph Stephens; brothers, James Casino, Fred Casino, Frank Casino, and Joe Casino; and sisters, Louise Hildebrand, Betty Weber, and Emma Casino.
At 94, Babe leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family blessed to have had her love for so many years. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught through her kindness, generosity, and devotion to family will live on in those she loved. She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and great- grandmother, and a truly beautiful lady, whose greatest legacy is the family she cherished.
Friends and family will be received Wednesday, November 11, in Dering-Henson Funeral Home, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., when funeral services will begin. Interment will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery.
Caring services are being provided by Dering-Henson Funeral Home.
Condolences at www.dering-henson.com