Violet Lee Stevens, 80, of Iola, Kansas, died Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the Olathe Medical Center. Violet was born January 7, 1936, in Hanford, CA, the daughter of John and Lylas Simon. At a young age she started picking in orchards with family including cotton, nuts and fruit. She married Joe Allen Stevens September 4, 1953, and they moved to Kansas in 1964 from California. The family made their home in Bronson, Elsmore, Moran and then Iola. She has worked at a small business in the Ft. Scott area in accounting, IMP Boats until it closed, Thompson Poultry, Berg Manufacturing, Russell Stovers, Michael''s Trucking and as a para for a short time. She earned her G.E.D. in 1974 but her greatest accomplishment was raising her five children and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed flowers, camping with family and working with senior citizens. Her husband preceded her in death July 27, 1994. Survivors include 3 children; Mathie Stevens and wife, Betty of Yates Center, Timothy Stevens and wife, Lara of Girard, and Teena Solander and husband, Don of Gas, KS; daughter-in-law, Janet Stevens of Westphalia, KS; 4 siblings, David LaFranchi of Wisconsin, Janet McGill of New Castle, WA, Charlotte Johnson and Roxie Yeager both of Corning, CA, 20 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 2 sons, Joe Stevens, Jr. and Wyatt Stevens, 2 siblings, Mary Russ and Gene Simon and 1 grandson, Eric Kincaid. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 24, 2016, at the First Christian Church, 1608 Oregon Road, Iola, KS, prior to the funeral which will begin at 11:00. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Iola. Memorials are suggested to Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) and may be left with the Waugh-Yokum and Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.