Blanch Stevens

LAMAR, MO — Blanch Stevens, 72, of Lamar, Mo. passed away Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 at her home surrounded by family.

Blanch was born Nov. 26, 1942, in Barton County, Missouri, to James and Cora (Hayward) McCulley.

On June 6, 1961, in Tijuana, Mexico, Blanch married the love of her life, Lewis “Steve” Stevens and they made their home and raised their two children, Stevi and Gary, in Lamar. Many will remember Blanch as their hairdresser and confidant, as she worked as a cosmetologist and owned and operated beauty shops for many years. She was an accomplished artist, working in oils and tole painting, inspiring many budding artists who attended her art classes. She was a wonderful cook, sharpening her skills while cooking at her sister’s Tuck’s Café. She was a self-taught quilter and enjoyed collecting antiques. Her first priority, however, was always her family, and her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bob McCulley and an infant brother; sisters, Flossie Tuck, Pearl McMackin, Barbara McCulley and an infant sister.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Steve, who grew up in Bridgton; two children, Stevi Robertson and Gary Stevens, both of Lamar; two brothers, Bud McCulley and Earl “Butch” McCulley of Lamar; three sisters, Mabel Jones of Reeds, Mo., Ida May Kozoil of Joplin, Mo. and Janie Freeman of Lamar; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a special niece and caregiver.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at Daniel Funeral Home. Burial will be in Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net