Stella Stevens

Stella A. Stevens, 89, died on July 7, surrounded by her family, in the home in which she was born. Stella was born June 14, 1937 to Myron and Wilhelmina (Ahrens) Allen. She attended Whitingham High School, where she was active in the 4-H, and graduated in 1954. She met Norman Stevens and they married on June 7, 1958.

They lived in Chelsea, Chester, and Rutland, where Stella was active in Homemaker Clubs, was a stay-at-home mom, and did childcare for many children. In 1993, Stella and Norm retired to Jacksonville where she was President of the Whitingham Historical Society. She served as a library trustee, a member of the Jacksonville Community Church, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Stella didn’t like idle time and kept busy with her gardens and raspberry bushes, and brought African violets back to life for many people. She enjoyed birds, word searches, puzzles, reading, and knitting for her grandchildren.

Stella leaves her children Pam (Kevin) Grimard, of Turners Falls, MA; Debra (Steve) Avison, of Bondville; Cheryl (Wayne) Hammond, of Ludlow; and Michael (Robin) Stevens of Jacksonville; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Harriet Maynard, of Wilmington and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Stella’s cousin, Tracey Reed, who has been a constant support for her and the family.

Stella is predeceased by her husband, Norman; her parents, Myron and Wilhelmina; and her siblings: Mike, Bummy, David and, fondly, Chickie.

There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Stella’s life will be held on Friday, July 17, at 2 pm, at the Jacksonville Community Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Whitingham Historical Society to continue their work updating the cataloging system for historical artifacts. The address is

Whitingham Historical Society, PO Box 125, Jacksonville, VT 05342.

For more information contact Covey & Allen Funeral Home at www.sheafuneralhomes.com.