Frances Joan Stevens, 87, died peacefully at Cottagewood Senior Communities on Saturday, June 23, 2018 in Rochester from complications of a stroke.

Frances was born January 21, 1931, in rural Hayfield, daughter of Russell and Amanda Cooper (Lee). Frances graduated from Hayfield High School, class of 1948.

Frances married the one true love of her life on February 19, 1949, Ardean Tilford Stevens.  They had a beautiful love story of nearly 70 years of marriage.

Frances was a homemaker and first and foremost an adored wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She also worked part-time at Daytons.  She enjoyed sewing, and her most favorite summer pastime was staying in her boat on the Mississippi River in Wabasha.  She spent many hours with family and friends on the water and in the later years was known to sit outside of her house she shared with her loving husband in chairs side-by-side.  She had many grandchildren, many of whom she cared for while their parents worked, and she loved every one of us deeply and unselfishly.

Frances is survived by her husband, Ardean Stevens; one sister, Elaine Brakke; three children, Randy (Nancy) Stevens of Lake City, Karen (John) McNamara of Rochester, and Kathy (Tod) Rogers of Rochester; seven grandchildren, Melissa, Jessica, Jennifer, Amanda, Katrina, Jake, and Josh; and six great-grandchildren, Isabella, Justin, Matthew, Keegan, Sophia, and Oliver.  Preceding her in death were her parents, Russell and Amanda Cooper (Lee); and brother, Donald Cooper.

The family would like to thank the Cottagewood Senior Communities staff and Seasons Hospice for the care of Frances.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at Bethel Lutheran Church with Rev. Norman Wahl officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the church service.  Burial will be at West St. Olaf Church in Hayfield.