Dorothy Blanchard Stevenson

DOROTHY BLANCHARD STEVENSON

June 27, 1935

November 11, 2015

Dorothy's story began on June 27, 1935 in Fallon, NV. She was the only daughter born to Reuben and Bobbie Blanchard. Although her father wanted to name her "Frankie", her mother was able to convince him that Dorothy was a more appropriate name. Dorothy joined her two brothers, Eddie and Richard, and shared many adventures on their grandparents' farm with their Blanchard, Lee, and Lish cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Dorothy's family moved to Reno in 1942. She attended school at Orvis Ring Elementary School, Northside Junior High School, and Reno High School. During her school years, Dorothy developed life long friendships with many. Those friendships grew stronger as the years went by. Dorothy was active at Reno High School and reflected on her high school years and being a Reno High Huskie cheerleader with great pride. Dorothy met and married Grant Anderson in high school. Their union brought Dee Lynn, Jodi, Butch and Karen into the world. Dorothy cherished the role of mother and caregiver to her four children.

Dorothy was very proud of her work experience with Hales Drug Store and then with Washoe County School District as a school secretary at Anderson Elementary School and Reno High School. In 1976 Dorothy transferred to the "Green House" (Washoe County School District Administrative Offices) where she helped establish the Central Substitute Office. Dorothy enjoyed placing substitute teachers in positions and often was instrumental in launching teaching careers.

Dorothy met her neighbor, Percy "Steve" Stevenson in June 1990. Dorothy and Steve were married on January 1, 1991. Their marriage was one for the ages. They were able to travel around the United States, Hawaii, and Canada. Their most favorite vacations were in Disneyland with their grandchildren. Dorothy and Steve were supportive of all of their grandchildren's events from school awards and plays, to sporting events, to graduations, and to birthday celebrations. Dorothy's family was everything to her. She made sure her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren knew how much she loved them. Her smile, her hugs, and her kisses will live on with us forever.

Dorothy's journey into heaven occurred on November 11, 2015 peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family. Dorothy is now reunited with her love, Steve; her parents, Reuben and Bobbie; her brother, Eddie; and her loving Auntie Jo, Uncle Bill, and Aunt Rosie.

Dorothy is survived by her four children and their spouses, Dee Lynn and Mark Armstrong, Jodi and Jerry Smith, Butch and Susan Anderson, and Karen and John Simms; her step-daughter and spouse, Rosemary and Jerry Withen. Dorothy's precious grandchildren are Sean Foley, Brian Foley, Jason Simms (Corey), Adam Jones, Ross Armstrong, Scott Anderson (Lauren), Alyson Howe (Kyle), David Anderson, Kendra Tuttle (Trae), Tyler Simms (Kimi), Zachariah Simms, Sharlea Taft (John), Melissa Withem, and Morgan Withem. Dorothy was especially proud of her great-grandchildren; Kylan McHardy-Anderson and Hailey Anderson, JD Taft, Madelynn and Lucy Howe, and Charlie Tuttle. Dorothy's survivors also include her brother Richard Blanchard and her uncle Thad Blanchard, along with an extensive family of many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dorothy's family would like to thank Dorothy's dear friends, Jackie Powers, Joanie Gardner, and Nancy Slatin; the care givers with Gentiva Hospice, the staff and friends at 5* Premier Residence, Dr. Perez and his staff, and her church family at Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church.

Please join Dorothy's family for a Celebration of Life on November 21st at Hidden Valley Country Club from 2pm to 5pm with a Remembrance Service beginning at 3pm. A private family service will be held at Dorothy's gravesite.