Obituary: Shirley Fern Stevenson 1926-2013

Shirley Fern Stevenson

Shirley Fern Stevenson

Shirley Fern Stevenson was 87 when she passed away on October 1, 2013, in Lakewood, Colorado. She had been struggling with Alzheimer's for several years and finally succumbed to the disease.

Shirley was born in Somerville, Texas, on April 15, 1926, to the late Eleanor and Charles Malich. She graduated from Somerville High School in 1942. Always the adventurous spirit, Shirley moved to Los Angeles, California, where she met Adlai Ewing Stevenson. They were married on December 22, 1948, in Pasadena, California.

The Stevensons moved their family to Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1955, where, together, they established Stevenson Electric. Shirley began her long professional association with Coconino County in 1959 when she worked as the civil clerk in the Coconino County Sheriff's Office. In the 1970's Shirley followed one of her life's passions by becoming an integral part of the business office at The Museum of Northern Arizona. She was a recognized fixture at the yearly Hopi and Navajo Shows every summer. In 1986 Shirley retuned to the service of Coconino County when she entered the world of politics and was elected to the office of Clerk of Superior Court of Coconino County; an office she held until her retirement in 1991.

After her retirement, Shirley continued to be an active member of the Flagstaff community. She maintained her dedication to her faith by serving as a member of the Alter Guild at the Church of the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Flagstaff. When she relocated to the Verde Valley, she continued her service to her faith by joining the Alter Guild at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church in Sedona. Shirley also became a volunteer member of the Verde Valley Care Givers and assisted seniors who required home care. People who knew Shirley will recall her love for trips to dances on the Hopi Mesas, her dedication to her family, and her quick sense of humor.

Shirley was preceded in death by her sisters Lorena Scott and Francis Wilson; her brothers Charles and Melvin Malich; as well as her husband Adlai and son Nathan.

Shirley is survived by her sons Mark (Lee) of Colorado, and Jeff (B.J.) of Oklahoma; daughter Melissa Dart of Colorado; and six grandchildren Bonnie, James, Grant, Suzanne, Christopher, and Reagan.

The family would like to thank Leann Lujanac for the wonderful loving care she provided for Shirley as well as the staff at Atria in Lakewood, Colorado, who helped Shirley and the family through the final days. They would also like to thank all of the friends and loved ones who have extended love and support to them through this most difficult time.

A service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held at Church of the Epiphany in Flagstaff, Arizona, on November 9, 2013, at 11:00. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made in Shirley's memory to the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Alzheimer's Association, or the Church of the Epiphany Garden fund.

Information provided by survivors.


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