Leota Mae Stevens, 85, died May 7, 2006, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.

She was born March 27, 1921, in Waverly, the daughter of Clinton Ralph and Velma Mae Kukuk Chapman. She was a 1938, graduate of Waverly High School and received her teacher's degree from Kansas State Teachers College. She received her bachelor's degree from McPherson College in 1954, her master's degree from Emporia State University in 1964, and did post-graduate work at Wichita State University in 1970. A longtime resident of Hutchinson, she was a teacher for 45 years, teaching at Waverly, Ellinwood, Reno County and Hutchinson. She retired in 1985.

She belonged to Trinity United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, American Association of University Women, Hutchinson Area Retired Teachers, Kansas and National Education Association, Rainbow F.C.E., Reno County F.C.E. Council, Women's Civic Center, Hutchinson Art Association and United Methodists Women's Group.

On Nov. 7, 1944, she married James Oliver Stevens in Ellinwood. He died Nov. 20, 1993.

Survivors include: a son, James H., and wife, Sharon, McPherson; a daughter, Mary Ann Tibbits and husband, Robert, Hutchinson; a sister, Wilma Boyd, Topeka; and four grandchildren, Michael Stevens, Melissa Tibbits, Rachael Stevens and Taylor Stevens.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clinton and Dale Chapman.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Nick Warner presiding. Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson. Graveside service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Rock Creek Cemetery, Waverly.

Memorials may be sent to the Leota Stevens Educators Scholarship Fund or to Hospice House, both in care of the mortuary.

Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.