DEXTER, Mo. -- Nancy Louise Norman Stevens, 74, of Dexter passed away Monday, April 15, 2013, at her home.

She was born Dec. 16, 1938, on the family farm south of Dexter, daughter of Geneva Bailey and Louie Norman. Nancy and her sister, Jane, were raised by their mother and Harris "Doc" Zengerle in Dexter, where she attended public schools and was a 1956 graduate of Dexter High School. She and the love of her life, Troy Lee Stevens, were married Aug. 28, 1959, in Dexter. She and Troy moved to Cape Girardeau in 1962, where they raised three children. He preceded her in death Dec. 29, 1993.

Survivors include a son, two daughters and their spouses, Mark (Glenda) Stevens of Garden Ridge, Texas, Sheri (Joseph) Johnson of Cape Girardeau and Cindy (Frank) Given of Argyle, Texas; seven grandchildren, Anna Alexandria and Lauren Louise Stevens, Mary Caroline, Trystan Troy, Emily Kingston, Victoria Elizabeth and Jackson Henry Given; a sister, Jane Hertzog of Greenwood, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Lou was an avid gardener and golfer, she volunteered as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and was on the Heritage Ball Committee. She loved fishing on Kentucky Lake, canning preserves with "the aunts" and being a true friend to so many while living in Cape Girardeau. She returned to Dexter in 1995 and was a member of Dexter Elks Lodge 2439. Lou was a devoted mother and wife to her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. to time of service Thursday at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

A memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday at the chapel, with the Rev. Steve Easterwood officiating. Interment will be in Sadler Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.