Fern M Stevens

Fern M. Stevens, 94, Columbia, Pa., died early Tuesday morning at St. John's Herr Estate in Columbia. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Luther L. and Mary B. McCracken. She married Harry M. Stevens on Aug. 24, 1940, in Altoona, and he preceded her in death on April 30, 1991. Surviving are a son, James T. and wife, Nancy, of Womelsdorf; two grandchildren: Timothy D. Stevens and wife, Sharon, of Skillman, N.J., and Laurie A. Smith and husband, Michael, of Marlton, N.J.; four great-grandchildren: Matthew and Sara Stevens and Melanie and Victoria Smith; three stepgrandchildren; two sisters: Betty E. Nicodemus of Pocono Summit and A. Joy Kelley of Tyrone; a sister-in-law, Thelma McCracken; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three children; three brothers: Eldon L., Leon B. and Samuel G. McCracken; and a sister, Helen McCracken. Fern was a 1934 graduate of Altoona High School. She retired as a secretary for John Rawlings Real Estate Agency and Bill Wick Insurance. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she served as a Sunday school and Bible class teacher, was the first woman to serve as a member on the church council and was the past president of the TLCW at the church. Fern loved sewing, crocheting and spending time with her family. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata (www.maukandyates.com), followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m., the Rev. Elizabeth Hess officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery.