Barbara Lou (Connie) Stevenson, 72, passed away with her family present at the Tucson Medical Center on March 11, 2008, after a long, courageous battle with diabetes. 

She was born February 10, 1936, to Bessie Vera Romine and Golden Allen in Boise, Idaho and was a stepdaughter of Ralph E. Valade.

She attended school in Grant County, where the family had long ties, dating back to the homesteading of ranchland in Dayville in the 1880s.

A compassionate woman of many talents, Mrs. Stevenson was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, secretary, real estate broker, and volunteer. She loved arts and crafts, baking, sewing, volunteer work, and spoiling her children and grandchildren.

She was an active volunteer for most of her life, devoting her time to Arizona hospitals, foundational work for Hands Across the Border, and humanitarian aid for the orphans of San Luis, Mexico. As a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority for several years, she received many awards for her volunteer work, including “Woman of the Year” and an award for the “love and care given to countless children (1982-1986)” while in Yuma, Arizona.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, John William Stevenson II; children Deanna Franson, Gail Young, and Michael Stevenson; grandchildren Angie Peck (David), Amber Thompson (Kristopher), Laura Young, Jessica Young, and Brooke Franson; great grandchildren Leila Thompson, Shelby Peck, and Kristian Thompson; and sisters Teddie Richardson (Ben), Judy Valade, Lee Gurr (Bert), and Terri Merz (Gene). Her first son, James Franson (Shirley), preceded her in death.

Memorial services and a celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 21, 2008, at Bring’s Broadway Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Casa de los Niños, 1101 N 4th Ave, Tucson, Ariz. 85705, or to the American Diabetes Association, 6339 E. Speedway, Suite 103, Tucson, AZ 85710.