Mary Virginia Stevens

Mary Virginia Stevens, 85, a longtime resident of the Benedict, Kansas area, passed peacefully on Saturday, January 27 at Restwell Home Plus in Oskaloosa, Kansas, with family by her side.

She was born on January 14, 1939, in Chillicothe, Missouri, the daughter of B.G. (Doc) and Rosella (Jones) Lewallen. Mary graduated from Meadville High School, moved to Independence, Missouri, where she worked as a secretary.

On September 9, 1962, in Kansas City, Kansas, she married William "Bill" Stevens. Mary and Bill moved to the Stevens’ Farm in 1973, where Mary prided herself on being a devoted, hardworking farmer’s wife. She was also a cook at Altoona Midway School from August 1981 to May of 2003. She then volunteered at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center for 10 years.

Mary was a faithful member of the High Prairie United Methodist Church, where she served in many capacities, but most notably as the pianist for many years. She will be most remembered for her amazing cooking, uncanny whit, glowing smile and love for music and the Lord.

Survivors include: Two daughters: Tracey Paramore and her husband, Mike of Perry, KS, Becca Stevens and her husband, David Jurczak, of Denver, CO, One brother: W.G. “Bill” Lewallen of Gig Harbor, WA, Two grandchildren: Rylee and Brett Paramore of Perry, KS.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, Louise Naeger, and brother, Lawrence “Bud” Lewallen.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 4th at the High Prairie United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Banks officiating. Burial will be in the High Prairie Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Wickham Funeral Home on Friday, 5:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M.

A memorial has been established in Mary’s name with the High Prairie United Methodist Church and may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may be left at wickhamfamilyfuneralhome.com

Wickham Funeral Home, 510 North 7th, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.