Dorothy Darlene Stevens, 79, of Richmond, died Wednesday, December 25, 2019, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Dorothy was born on November 15, 1940, in Mexico, MO, the daughter of Chirsty and Ola (Wiswell) Taylor.  She was united in marriage to Clarence Stevens of Rayville on August 1, 1960; he survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: two sons, Gary (Robin) Stevens and Roger Stevens, both of Richmond; three grandchildren: Michael Craft, Clifford W. "Scott" (Nicole) Craft, and Barbara (Brian) Derstler; five great-grandchildren: Samuel Craft, Natalie Perkins, Logan Perkins, Cadence Craft, and Xander Craft.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, Neva Smith, Doris Reynolds, Phyllis Stafford, Ruth Love-Biggs, and Lola Mae Smith.

Dorothy attended grade school in Dockery and graduated from Richmond High School in 1959.  After high school, she worked as a long distance operator for Southwestern Bell in Kansas City.  Dorothy worked for 31 years for the Richmond School District, starting out in the Food Service Department, then a teacher's aide, and finishing as the librarian.  She also worked as manager for Ray County Red Cross at the Courthouse.  Dorothy was one of the founding members of the Ray County Community Arts Association and Den Mother for Cub Scouts.  She was an accomplished artist and especially enjoyed painting and doing crafts.  When her boys were younger, she never missed a football game or wrestling meet.  Dorothy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Richmond.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richmond First Baptist Church, Friends of the Farris, or the Ray County Community Arts Association.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at the First Baptist Church in Richmond.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, December 30, 2019 at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Burial will be in Sunny Slope Cemetery, Richmond.  Please remember to share your memories of Dorothy with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .