Dorothy I. Stevens

Throughout a person's life they ""wear many hats"" such is the case of our mother and grandmother, Dorothy Irene Stevens. Maybe the hat reference stems from the fact that Dorothy's mother, Idaletta Dreier Loos was a milner in her day. Dorothy's life began in Atwood, CO on February 9th, 1915 joining the family of Peter and Idaletta Loos. Her early years were spent on the plains of Northeastern Colorado. Dorothy's schooling began in Leroy, CO and then graduating from high school as the Valedictorian of Harding School. Being the oldest of four she became a second mother to sister Laurel and brother Monte who survive her. Dorothy grew into the role of teacher and attended Colorado State College receiving her 2-year degree in 1934. Dorothy's parents were so proud to be sending her to college and she being so appreciative saved enough of her wages to purchase a beautiful set of silverware for her mother. Her first teaching job took her to a one room school in Vernon, CO earning $65.00 for an 8 month assignment. This was during the Dust Bowl days of the Great Depression and her students were all from one family. On one occasion her students and Dorothy had to spend the night as the dust prevented them from leaving. Another of her duties at this time was to arrive at the school each morning to soak sheets for the windows to keep the dust out. In 1935 Dorothy took a postion at Kelly with more students. In accepting her next position in Padroni, CO Dorothy's life would change forever as she met her husband to be, Manley H. Stevens also a new teacher. Their first encounter may have been when Manley slid down the banister at the school only to be met by their principal at the time. And so it was that Dorothy and Manley were married at the Leroy church on August 27, 1939. In 1941 they began their family with the birth of Charles, Chuck as he is affectionately known who now resides in Lincoln, NE with his wife Connie. Then followed in 1946 by a second son Alan who now lives in Windsor with his wife , Beth. At the core of their family was the church and always teaching. Dorothy was the church organist at the American Baptist Church for many years in Sterling. Having completed her teaching degree she then took on the role as music teacher at Franklin Elementary school in Sterling. This was followed by many years of music programs and touching the lives of children who in later years remember their music teacher, Mrs. Stevens. She was a formidable teacher, but a true nurturer of those young ones and earned their respect immediately. Some are even music teachers today because of her music influence. Aside from the many activities of her life Dorothy's commitment to her faith and active involvement in the church was one more thing that defined her ""hat "" life. By her example and teaching of Sunday School meant a further outreach to adults. Manley and Dorothy taught an adult class in Sterling and continued as S.S. teachers when they moved to Ft. Collins in 1978. Again as a couple they proved an impact on everyone they met from their neighbors to new acquaintances they met in Ft. Collins. After their retirement they volunteered in many capacities such as the Food Bank and the classroom of son Alan. Every Friday when they came to volunteer at Johnson Elementary the third graders adopted them as their grandparents and looked forward to that special time when Dorothy and Manley would take one aside and have them read to them. Of course, each child would leave there feeling valued and loved. Family was one of their greatest blessings and joys. Sheila, their first grandchild, held a special place for them spending much time with her as she was growing up. From there Kelly arrived and has followed them into the ""family business"" as a teacher in Wellington, CO. Also adding to their beloved family were twins Kendra and Kevin. Those twins were the ""apple of her eye"" in so many ways. Dorothy and Manley attended many of their music and sports events. Kendra also wears the ""teacher hat."" Then came the addition of another granddaughter Erin and a grandson, Andy. Erin has become a wonderful mother and Andy now teaches high school in Fort Collins. The grandchildren then blessed her with 7 great grandchildren. Chloe (11) and Macy (8) Matsuda, Evan (6) and Chase (4) Gerlach, Trey (7) and Zach (3) Stevens and Gracelyn Stull (2). After the death of Manley, Dorothy made many changes in her life by living at Parkwood Estates, Collinwood Assisted Living and finally Good Samaritan Village of Ft. Collins. With each move she showed us all her tenacity and adaptability to her ever changing needs without ever complaining. Although Dorothy's ""hat "" days are over she has taught all who all who knew her to wear their life's hats with dignity, pride and a love of family and God.