

Born on July 13, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mary Ellen was the beloved daughter of Robert Lamont Stevens and Bernice Fowles Stevens, and the sister of Allan and Craig Stevens. She graduated from Brigham Young University and began a career in television, working at CBS from 1964 to 1971.
In 1971, Mary Ellen married Paul D. King and fully embraced the role of mother to his eight children: Paul, Tim, Ann, Mary, Jane, Stephen, Daniel, and Peter. Together, they made their home in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, where she was a vibrant member of the Junior League of Los Angeles and served on the board of the Decorative Arts Council of LACMA. Her grace, warmth, and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
In 1989, Mary Ellen and Paul relocated to Balboa Island, where she remained deeply engaged in her community and church. After Paul's passing in 1996, she found love and companionship again with Sy Kimball, with whom she shared many joyful years until his death in 2021.
A lifelong and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mary Ellen served in numerous leadership positions and was a dedicated ordinance worker in both the Los Angeles and Newport Beach temples.
Mary Ellen is survived by her eight children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Her legacy of faith, elegance, and loving service to family and community will be remembered always.
A memorial service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2150 Bonita Canyon Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
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