WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
C. Lavenia “Bing” Stevens, age 96, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning, April 12, 2012 at her home.
She was born Feb. 12, 1916, in Lewisport, Ky., a daughter of the late John Ellis and Anna Thomas (Lampkins) Crask.
Bing resided in Sturgis since 1933, coming from LaGrange, Ind., where she was a graduate of LaGrange High School with the class of 1933.
In 1933, she married Donald A. Wright. This marriage ended in divorce. In 1967, she married Elwood Stevens Jr. He preceded her in death in 1975.
For 32 years, she owned and operated Bing’s Restaurant in Sturgis, and for several years was involved in the real estate business.
Bing was always active in her community. For 14 years she was a St. Joseph County Commissioner and held the position of chairperson twice. She served on various boards and committees and was a 20-year member of the City of Sturgis Zoning Board of Appeals. She enjoyed flowers, gardening and working outdoors. Over the years she had many dogs and dearly loved each one of them.
She is survived by two daughters, Kaye F. McCready of Big Fork, Mont., and Marilyn C. Shoup of Sturgis; five grandchildren, Clark M. McCready of Cheyenne, Wyo., Phillip McCready of Missoula, Mont., Christopher McCready of Big Fork, , Mark Palmer of Howe, Ind., and Jason Shoup of White Pigeon.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a grandson, Kent O. Palmer; a stepson, Mortimer E. Wright; and an infant brother, Wesley Crask.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no services. Private entombment of the ashes will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Stevens’ memory consider Camp Fort Hill, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091; or Pet Haven, P.O. Box 853, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
