Lorraine Stevens

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Lorraine Nelson Stevens, 74, of Twin Falls, formerly of Mountain Home, died March 31, 2008, at St. Luke's Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls.

Lorraine was born and raised in Dietrich, Idaho, where she graduated from high school.

She attended two years at Idaho State College and then married Wayne Stevens on Aug. 16, 1953. They made their first home in Texas where Wayne was stationed in the Army. Lorraine lived in Sandpoint, Idaho, briefly and then in Moscow, Idaho, where Wayne attended the University of Idaho. She lived in Tekoa, Wash., and then moved to Mountain Home in 1960, where she worked at Mountain Home High School for 13 years.

Lorraine moved to Twin Falls in 1972 where she worked for the College of Southern Idaho for 22 years. She retired in 1995 but continued to find time to assist at the start of each semester in handing out financial aid to CSI students.

Lorraine was an active member of Valley Christian Church in Twin Falls for 35 years where she served in various capacities, including Sunday school teacher, Church Board Moderator and secretary, deaconess and elder. She also served on the Disciples of Christ regional board. She was on the Board of Directors for Valley Vista Village for Christian Church Homes of Idaho.

"Her active and joyful service to her church was Lorraine's way of sharing her faith and demonstrating her belief in Christ's love and power in our lives," her family said.

Lorraine took a vital interest in her community. She was a member of PEO, 20th Century Club, Twin Falls County Election Board, Christian Women's Fellowship and served several elementary schools as a mentor to students who needed extra help with reading and a "grandma's ear" to listen to them.

"Lorraine was very proud of her daughters and was a positive role model and mentor for them. She also took great joy and pride in her grandchildren. It was important to her to spend quality time with each as an individual and she worked hard to be sure they had the means to achieve a good education," her family said.

"In the last few months of her life Lorraine was blessed with the love and companionship of a very special man, Joe Miller. She and Joe were engaged to be married on April 12. Their family and friends were delighted that Lorraine and Joe found each other and were so very happy in each other's company."

She is survived by: her daughters, Georgia (Dennis) Boatman of Washington; Linda (Robert) Miles of Texas; five grandchildren; brothers, Glen Nelson, of Jerome and Philip Nelson of Twin Falls.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Beatrice Kae Stevens, and brothers John and Louis.

Funeral services were held Saturday, April 5, at Valley Christian Church in Twin Falls.

The family suggests donations be made to Valley Christian Church Building Fund, the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.