Barbara J. Stevens

Barbara J. Stevens, age 94, of Yankton, SD, peacefully passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on January 12, 2025, at Majestic Bluffs Care Center in Yankton.

Graveside services will be 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Rose Creek Cemetery in Reynolds, Nebraska. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota.

Barb was born November 26, 1931, at her grandparents’ home in Belleville, KS, to Walter and Marion Gregory. She attended school at District 44 until the family moved to Reynolds, NE, where she completed her education and graduated. During those years, she made many wonderful memories through cheerleading, dances, class plays, volleyball, and especially spending time with family and friends on her mom’s (Granny’s) porch swing.

The town where Barb grew up was quite small—only about 160 people. Her family did not regularly attend church, as the local churches did not have full-time pastors. When Barb was about 15 years old, she decided to attend a revival meeting at the Baptist church. During the altar call, she felt what seemed like a hand on her shoulder urging her to go forward. She turned around, thinking someone was playing a trick on her, but no one was there. In that moment, she knew the Lord Jesus was calling her, and she went forward to accept Him as her Savior—a decision that shaped the rest of her life.

She married Dale Stevens on December 22, 1950, and together they raised a family. Barb often said that one of her greatest joys in life was being a wife and mother. She continually thanked God for blessing her with her husband, three wonderful children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She frequently quoted her life verse from the Bible: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth.” (3 John 4)

As their family grew, Dale’s job required frequent moves. They lived in boxcars on the railroad and in many locations, including Texas, Oxford, NE, Denver, CO, Lincoln, NE, St. Paul, MN, Lenexa, KS, and finally Yankton, SD. Along the way, they formed countless lifelong friendships.

Preceding Barb in death was her husband, Dale Stevens; her parents, Walt and Marion Gregory; her stepfather, Jim Gregory; her siblings, Foster LaMonte, LaRhue Barton, and Donald Gregory; her brother-in-law, Rich Barton; her parents-in-law, Charles and Katie Stevens; her brothers-in-law Wayne and Walter Stevens, her sister-in-law Shirley Stevens, and her great-granddaughter, June Stevens.

Until we are reunited with her in heaven, Barb will be deeply missed by her children, Mike (Linda) Stevens, Mark (Debbie) Stevens, and Sheri (Keith) Worrel; her grandchildren, Sophie (Ryan) Lowe; Sadie (Philip) Livingston; Kelsey Stevens; Drew (Kat) Stevens; Spencer Stevens; Bethany (Scott) Adler; Adam (Ashley) Worrel; and Ben (Mallory) Worrel; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many dear friends.