Sandra Kaye Hall Zevely Stevens
OBITUARY
Sandra Kaye Hall Zevely Stevens was the oldest of four children born in Kentucky to Olive and Adrian Hall. She was raised by loving parents and was the sister of Karen, Rick, and Don.
If Sandra were here today, she would tell you that she led a very happy life and felt like she had the “happy” gene. She expressed her feelings when she wrote a speech as a member of the Toastmasters Club entitled “Not Trading Places”. She lived her life that way, not wanting to be anybody other than herself-daughter of Olive and Adrian, sister of Karen, Rick and Don, mother of Michelle and Jeff.
She would especially acknowledge her mother who showed her how to be a mother and yet remain an independent person. She would acknowledge her father who guided her into library science, which turned out to be her career and the lasting joy of her life. She was also indebted to her father for the “Caney Junior College” stories she grew up with and forever indebted to her mother for band and her many, many music opportunities.
Sandra often said Caney (Alice Lloyd College) was the “making of her”. After Caney, she attended and graduated from Morehead State College. Marriage to Ed Zevely brought her to the West Coast, San Diego, and her beloved two children-Michelle Denise (John) and Jeffrey Marks (Heather). Twenty-five-plus years later, she married Duane Stevens and became the stepmother of three, Lori (Jim), Diane (Jon) and Duane Peter (Sarah). Sandra was the grandmother of 14 grandchildren: Char, Jack, Brianne, Addison, Olivia, Abby, Kayla, Ashley, Emily, Isabelle, Aksel, Colton, Harley and Liana.
Library books, puppets, children’s authors, travel to small schools, instructional television and audiovisual services sum up her 33-year career in Ohio, Kentucky and at the San Diego County Office of Education, which included her many administrative roles.
Her two favorite things in life were her love of books and travel. Sandra was so proud of her children and grandchildren who loved to read and was forever recommending books to them. Travel was very important. Besides travel with Jere and Marilyn, and Marilyn’s husband Mike, Sandra and Duane bonded as they traveled to many countries, especially Africa, and their amazing time there.
Sandra was blessed with many friends. Zeta Rho, Tigers, Red Hots, and Vista Friends and newcomers played a big, big part in her life. She loved her school friend Joan and her wonderful best friends and travel partners, Jere and Marilyn. Her journey through life was all the sweeter because of her many women friends.
As she leaves this world, Sandra is surrounded by those she loves best. Her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, and her most wonderful care person in the world-her husband Duane.
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Sandra would say….a life well lived.