Violet Lee Stevens, 80, Iola, died Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Olathe Medical Center.
Violet was born Jan. 7, 1936, in Hanford, Calif., the daughter of John and Lylas Simon. At a young age she started picking in orchards with family including cotton, nuts and fruit. She married Joe Allen Stevens Sept. 4, 1953, and they moved to Kansas in 1964 from California. The family made their home in Bronson, Elsmore, Moran and then Iola. She has worked at a small business in the Fort Scott area in accounting, IMP Boats until it closed, Thompson Poultry, Berg Manufacturing, Russell Stover, Michael’s Trucking and as a para for a short time. She earned her G.E.D. in 1974 but her greatest accomplishment was raising her five children and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed flowers, camping with family and working with senior citizens. Her husband preceded her in death July 27, 1994.
Survivors include three children, Mathie Stevens and wife Betty, Yates Center, Timothy Stevens and wife Lara, Girard, and Teena Solander and husband Don, Gas; daughter-in-law Janet Stevens, Westphalia; four siblings, David LaFranchi of Wisconsin, Janet McGill of New Castle, Wash., and Charlotte Johnson and Roxie Yeager, both of Corning, Calfi.; 20 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons, Joe Stevens Jr. and Wyatt Stevens, and two siblings, Mary Russ and Gene Simon.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at First Christian Church, 1608 Oregon Rd., Iola, prior to the funeral which will begin at 11. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Iola. Memorials are suggested to Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) and may be left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
