HURT, Stephanie Ann (Steph)

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona, Saturday, August 02, 2014 Stephanie Ann Woellmer Hurt of Camp Verde died July 18, 2014, in Cottonwood, Arizona. Steph, as she was known to her friends and family, was born January 17, 1969 in Danbury, Connecticut to Helmut and Christa Woellmer and was raised in Northern Arizona. As a child, she was known for her love of nature and animals, always dragging home a stray dog or lost kitten. Her room was a menagerie of aquariums and cages filled with fish, hamsters, guinea pigs and caterpillars. Though extremely shy and often hiding behind her Mom's legs, Steph made friends easily with her contagious smile and sweet demeanor. As the baby of the family, she quickly learned that she'd need a tough skin and developed an entertaining sense of humor. Steph was a brilliant artist, always painting, sketching, beading jewelry and making small sculptures out of found items, and she loved to read. The scarier the book, the better. She liked to garden, decorate her home and she continued collecting animals as an adult, especially when she realized that she didn't need to ask permission anymore. But Stephanie's true love was being a mother and she was a natural at it. Whether she was up late at night with a sick child, attending their school functions or planning a birthday party, she was never happier than when she was with her kids and she was absolutely devoted to them. Her joy, shown through her constant smile, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. Steph is survived by her husband, Russ, her three children, Emma, Erich and Evan and her stepdaughter Kassidy. Her parents, Helmut and Christa Woellmer of Sedona, also survive her, as do her sisters Angela Woellmer (Holly) and Cyndi Ricca (Monte), brother Ralph Woellmer (Shelley), nephew Jordan Ricca (Amy), nieces McKenzie Ricca, Britain Ricca, Kendall Woellmer and Kelsey Woellmer. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Sedona Humane Society would be an appropriate and much appreciated way to celebrate her love of animals. Steph's life will be celebrated in a private gathering of family and friends at the home of her parents on Sunday, August 3, 2014. Information provided by survivors.