Rita Ann Stevens

Rita Ann Stevens, 78, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Ark. She was born on Oct. 18, 1933, in Benson, Minn., to John Ernst and Elizabeth Benoit Ernst. She was raised and educated in Minnesota, and received her R.N. degree from St. Mary's in Minneapolis. Rita married Ronald Stevens in 1959 in Mason City, Iowa. She lived in Minneapolis and worked at Methodist Hospital for over 24 years. They moved to Bella Vista in 1997. She played golf and was an avid reader. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Stevens of Bella Vista, Ark.; three sons, Todd Stevens of Oklahoma, Tim Stevens of Florida, Tom Stevens and wife, Ashley, of Vermont; two grandchildren, Allie of Orlando and Ava of Vermont. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark., with Chaplain Rev. Mike Marshall officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.