Mary Ellen Stevens

Mary Ellen Valaer Stevens, 86, of College Place, WA passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Washington Odd Fellows Home in Walla Walla.

She was born in Spokane, WA on April 2, 1928 to the late Virgil and Dorothy Valaer. Raised in Walla Walla and southern California, Mary Ellen graduated from the University of Washington in 1951. Always looking for the next adventure, she took a Civil Service position during the Korean War in Tokyo, Japan where she met her husband Robert C. Stevens. They then moved to Prescott, WA to raise three children, staying until their divorce in 1967. Mary Ellen became a high school teacher and taught at DeSales High School until her next adventure, moving her family to Blythe, CA. in 1969. She taught English and Drama there until her retirement in 1985. Her next adventure took her to Mission Viejo, CA, where she spent time entertaining other retirees. In 2006, she moved to College Place, WA, where she resided until her passing.

Mary Ellen is survived by her oldest son, Bob (Janet) Stevens of Hilton Head Island, SC; daughter Stephanie (Tom) Konen of Dayton, WA; and son Clay (Carol) Stevens of Provo, UT. She has 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Mary Ellen loved the theatre and was very involved in The Little Theatre in Walla Walla in the early days. She was a member of The Junior Club, Bridgett’s, Founder of the Lions Club Lionettes of Prescott and many other clubs. She was a member of the California Teachers Association, and an advisor in Jobs Daughters in Blythe. Mary Ellen was very active in her children’s activities.

A Celebration of Life will be on July 11, 2014 at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home at 10am. Memorial contributions can be made to The Little Theatre in Walla Walla, in care of Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362.