CLAUDETTE JEAN STEVENS

Claudette Jean Stevens, 76, of Falls City, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2015 in Wasilla, AK. She was born Aug. 23, 1938 in Horton, KS, to Claude Olin Stumbo, Jr. and Thelma DeEtta Gatz Stumbo.
She attended country school and graduated from Salem High School. Claudette then earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Peru State College. She received a national science scholarship to attend Rockhurst College in Kansas City, a State of Nebraska Education Endorsement in Computer Programming, and her Master’s Degree in Education with emphasis in computer programming from PSC. Claudette taught school for 52 years at Honey Creek, Salem, Elk Creek and Auburn.
She married Paul Dean Bernhardt on June 21, 1959; they later divorced. On July 14, 1973, she married Leslie Weldon Stevens.
She and Leslie enjoyed traveling to Europe, across the U.S., and to Alaska, where they spent several weeks the last 14 summers. They had numerous hobbies, including making stained glass art, flying hot air balloons, quilting and growing roses, which their yard is full of. She had always loved animals, especially quarter horses, Alaskan sled dogs and parrots.
Most important to her was her love of God, her husband, Leslie, and their family. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Falls City, Falls City Rotary Club, and the Salem School Alumni.
She is survived by her husband, Leslie, of Falls City; step-daughters, Carla (Mike) Marx and Paula (Jim) Pipkin, all of Falls City; step-son, Craig (Katie) Stevens, of Appleton, WI; 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jerre Ann Perry; and brother, Richard W. Stumbo.
Her body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

A memorial service for Claudette Stevens will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Falls City. A luncheon will be served by the UMW after the service. In lieu of cards or flowers, the family would ask you to consider a donation to the charity of your choice in Claudette’s name. Claudette passed away on July 21, 2015.