Judy Stevenson

Judith Jean Shutt Stevenson, 77, died of complications from pneumonia on February 19, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa surrounded by her family.

Judy was born on February 21,1938, in Des Moines, Iowa to Betty (Vasconcellos) Robuck. At birth she was given in adoption to Everett and Catherine Shutt. She graduated from Prairie City High School in 1955, where she played six on six girls basketball. After high school, Judy attended AIB where she graduated with a degree in Comptometry.

Judy met Hal (through his mother) while he was serving our country in the Navy. They dated for 9-1/2 months before marrying on September 12, 1958, after which they moved to Atlantic, Iowa to start their lives together.

After moving to Atlantic, Judy continued to commute to Des Moines to work for Standard Oil and Butternut Bakery. After the birth of their first child she opened a daycare in their home. Judy cared for more than 1000 children over 30+ years, taking on the responsibility of raising and loving numerous foster children in addition to her 4 birth children. Michael Campbell became a permanent part of the family after coming to their home as their last foster child. When Mike became a part of the family there was a need for him to make new friends; this was the beginning of the Stevenson house opening its doors as a place for the teens of Atlantic to hang out on a nightly basis. Years after literally wearing out their floors, these young adults came back to refurbish the house out of gratitude for Hal and Judy’s hospitality.

Hal and Judy were founding board members and chaperones of the Salt Cellar in Atlantic, Iowa, where Judy helped Hal run the sound system by being his “ears” and sang in all of the community musicals. The Stevenson family spent many years traveling with “The Now Disciples.” They were also active members of the United Church of Christ, the Atlantic Gospel Chapel and Atlantic Evangelical Free Church. After their kids graduated, she and Hal became a regular fixture at the ticket booth during Atlantic High School events. She invested in relationships through her favorite activities including board and card games. Judy was happiest when her home was full of family and friends. Her photographic memory allowed her to thoroughly enjoy playing along with television game shows. She will be remembered for her caring heart, sharp wit and her extensive ability to connect people with each other. Her grandchildren say she was the prime example of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

Judy is survived by the love of her life and husband, Hal "Babe" Stevenson; five children, Michael (Debbie) Campbell, Mark (Jody) Stevenson, Stacie Jo (Brian) Boston, Sharmie (Gene) Russell, and Cami (Stacy) Brocka, 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. After the passing of her adoptive parents Judy was re-united with her birth mother, Betty Robuck. Her birth family includes four siblings, Pam (Chuck) Kluve, Judi (Reg) Haymond, Matt Robuck and Patty Robuck; and eight nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Everett and Catherine Shutt; step-mother, Pauline Shutt; birth mother, Betty Robuck; infant brother, James Robuck; grandson, Mark Hoftyzer; and nephew, Jamie Pennington.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 26th at the Evangelical Free Church in Atlantic.

A celebration of Judy's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 27th in the Atlantic High School Auditorium. Refreshments and a time for sharing of memories will be held immediately following the service at the Evangelical Free Church A private family burial will be held prior to the service at the Atlantic Cemetery.

Judy's heart and desire was for children to have a relationship with the Lord. Memorials are encouraged to be made to the Judy Stevenson Memorial Fund for later designation to various Christian Youth Activities.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Judy's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN MEMORY OF
Judy Stevenson
BORN
February 21, 1938, Des Moines, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
February 19, 2016, Des Moines, Iowa
At the age of 77 years, 11 months & 29 days

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday, February 27, 2016, two o’clock p.m.
Atlantic High School Auditorium, Atlantic, Iowa

PIANIST
Cindy Nichols

Welcome, Opening Prayer & Obituary by Pastor Don McLean

Judy’s Favorite Scripture Passages &
Personal Reflections by Pastor Al Seehusen

“Because He Lives” by the Congregation, led by Cherie Carl
(This song inspired Judy to give her life over to Jesus)

Message by Pastor Terry Schoenfeld

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus”
by Emerson Link, Doug Howell, Alex Johnson & Mike Gibson

“How Was Your Life Touched By Judy?” by Pastor Don McLean

“Side By Side” led by Cherie Carl and former Now Disciples

The family invites you to join them at the Evangelical Free Church,
1 East 22nd Street, Atlantic, following the Celebration of Life for a time of
refreshments and sharing of memories.

PALL BEARERS
Denny Messenger
Dick Nichols
Bill Nichols
Joe Hoye
John Holmes
Dan Brown
Dave Fairfield
Ron Russell

HONORARY BEARERS
Parker Hoye
Jacob Hartwig
Drew Brown
David Seehusen
Preston Hoye
James Nichols

IN CHARGE OF FLOWERS
Carol Dimig
Jeri Messenger
Elvin & Shirley Breach

FAMILY INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery, Atlantic, Iowa

Judy's heart and desire was for children to have a relationship with the Lord.  Memorials are encouraged to be made to the Judy Stevenson Memorial Fund for later designation to various Christian Youth Activities.