She was born on December 16, 1938, on the family farm south of Dexter, daughter of Geneva Bailey and Louie Norman.  Mrs. Stevens and her sister, Jane, were raised by their mother and Harris “Doc” Zengerle in Dexter, where she attended public schools and was a 1956 graduate of Dexter High School.

She and the love of her life, Troy Lee Stevens, were married August 28, 1959, in Dexter.  She and Troy moved to Cape Girardeau in 1962, where they raised three children.  Mr. Stevens preceded her in death on December 29, 1993.

Survivors include a son, two daughters and their spouses, Mark (Glenda) Stevens of Garden Ridge, Texas, Sheri (Joseph) Johnson of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Cindy (Frank) Given of Argyle, Texas; seven grandchildren, Anna Alexandria and Lauren Louise Stevens, Mary Caroline, Trystan Troy, Emily Kingston, Victoria Elizabeth and Jackson Henry Given; in addition, a sister, Jane Hertzog of Greenwood, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Lou was an avid gardener and golfer, volunteered as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and was on the Heritage Ball Committee.  She loved fishing on Kentucky Lake, canning preserves with “The Aunts” and being a true friend to so many while living in Cape Girardeau.  She returned to Dexter in 1995 and was a member of the Dexter Elks Lodge #2439.  Lou was a devoted mother and wife to her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, April 19, 2013, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. 

A memorial service will be conducted on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at 3:00 P.M. in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Rev. Steve Easterwood officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Sadler Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.