Esther Stevens

Funeral Services for Esther M. Stevens, 88, Junction City, will be Friday, August 19, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Jim Bond officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Mrs. Stevens passed away August 15, 2005 at Geary Community Hospital. The Stevens family will receive visitors at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Nazarene, 1315 West Ash, Junction City, KS 66441.

Esther was born May 12, 1917 in Junction City, the daughter of Elmer N. and
Mae (Bryant) Peterson. She graduated from Junction City High School in 1935
and attended one year of college at Bethany Peniel in Hutchinson. She married
Harry J. Stevens on October 24, 1939. They were married for 61 years until his
death on February 1, 2001.

Esther was a lifelong resident of Geary County. As well as being a homemaker,
she worked as a cook at Junction City High School for 16 years. She devoted
her life to the service of God and was a faithful member of the First Church of the
Nazarene in Junction City serving as a Sunday school teacher, member of the
Missions Council and numerous other positions.

Survivors include two daughters, Sharri Rushing and husband Doyle of Junction
City; Sylvia Emrich and husband Don of Olathe; three sons, Ron Stevens and
wife Julie of Aiken, SC; Bob Stevens and wife Pam of La Jolla, CA; Arlon
Stevens and wife Susan of Louisville, CO; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-
grandchildren and four brothers, Clyde Peterson of Wamego; Lee Peterson of
Topeka; Paul Peterson of Jackson, CA; and Kenny Peterson of Oklahoma City,
OK.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; an infant son, Larry
Stevens and two brothers, Earl Peterson and Leonard Peterson.

Esther was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed
by her family.