Paulyne Stevens
November 03, 2011
Paulyne Stevens, born Mary Eliza Bailey, 84, died Thursday, November 3, 2011, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. She was born November 6, 1926, in Newton, IA, and raised in Brazil, IA by her grandmother, May Agnes Boyd Bates, and grandfather, John Bates. She attended school in Brazil, Mystic, and Centerville, IA. She married Dwight E. Stevens on November 27, 1943, and had two children Wesley Eugene (Carolyn) Stevens of New London, MN, and Debrah May (Ken) Pickering of Mitchellville, IA.
Polly was the first 2.5 lb premature child born in Newton to survive. Through her life she enjoyed creative activities, giving joy to those who knew her, and raising her children. Polly became known as a float maker. She designed floats from natural items such as milkweed silk, corn cobs, and flowers for Centerville Pancake Days, parades in Des Moines, and helped with a Rose Bowl Float. She worked as a florist, bank teller, and in retail sales. Polly’s sense of humor, compassion for others, and love of life will be her real legacy.
Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight E. Stevens; her siblings, Yukona Hastie, Melba Pennock, Robert Bailey, Ernest Bailey, Mazda August, Vigil Bailey, Fannie Lawton, Ernest Bates, John Bates, Lillian Powell, Clyde Bates, and Stella Wendt; her mother, Mary Eliza Bailey, and her grandparents. Polly is survived by her son, Dr. Wesley E. (Carolyn) Stevens; daughter, Debrah M. (Ken) Pickering; grandchildren, Philip (Carla) Pickering, Michelle (Antonio) Tejeda; and Michael P. Stevens; step-grandchildren, Terry (Laurie) Pickering and Diane Foster; great-grandchildren, Devin and Kaylea Pickering, Mateo Tejeda, Abby and Jacob Hruska-Stevens; and step-great-grandchildren, Kimberly (Adam) Lawman, Michael and Dylan Signs, Brad (Angie) Foster, Holly (Don) Rios, Justin Pickering, Ty Pickering, and Mimi Castro.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, November 7, 2011 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Center at Luther Park in loving memory of Polly.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Noel Fiems
11/07/2011
To Aunt Paulyne's Family,
Our family sends our deepest condolences to Aunt Paulyne's family. I will always remember Aunt Paulyne's (and Uncle Dwight's) senses of humor and how she always seemed to be in a good mood.
I always noticed that she had a knack for "brightening the day" of those around her and who she came in contact with - that was a real gift that very few people have. It was always nice to visit with her, and for as little as I got to know her over the years I can't imagine how much she must have meant to you all. I believe she will be missed very much.
Thinking of you all,
Noel, Barbara, Tiffany & Leonardo Fiems
Julie Hamling Turner
11/06/2011
We are so saddened to learn of Polly's passing. I will always remember her bright smile and entertaiing conversation as our wonderful neighbor in Altoona. She will be so dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of sorrow and loss.
With much love,
The Hamling Family
Danielle (Specht) Clark
11/05/2011
Aunt Polly - I have many memories of you and my mom bringing your poodles to the family picnics and your wonderful sense of humor. I cherish the time we had back in August at our 4 hour lunch and all the chocolate - a good reminder to us all to ENJOY and have dessert. You and Uncle Dwight were my favorite "greats". You will missed and were loved - I'm sure Uncle Dwight is very glad to have you with him.
Deb, you are in my thoughts.
Love,
Danielle
Renee Bates Pagel
11/04/2011
Deb and Wes and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Such a nice picture of Polly. Our thoughts are with you.
Renee (Bates) and Doug Pagel and family
(Russell's oldest daughter)