Shirley C. Stevenson
September 8, 1931 – April 9, 2025
Shirley Stevenson passed away in Santa Rosa, California, on April 9, 2025, at the age of 93. Her life story reflects her resilience, love for family, and the adventures she experienced throughout her journey. Shirley was born on September 8, 1931, on a small farm in Sacred Heart, Minnesota to Arthur Bennie Olson and Cora Adeline Olson (Swenson). Shirley had three brothers and one sister. Her father had a feed store and chicken hatchery, and he later bought a café, and he taught her a strong work ethic at an early age. Shirley worked as a waitress in the café for the 6:30 a.m. shift at the age of 12. Shirley’s family moved to Madison, Minnesota when she was a freshman in high school, and her father had another café where she worked all three shifts. When Shirley was a senior in Madison High School, she was Homecoming Queen, and she graduated in 1949.
Shirley married Don Lea on June 25, 1950. Don was drafted into the Marine Corp during the Korean War, and after boot camp, Shirley joined him at Camp Pendleton, where their first son, Barry, was born. When Don was discharged, they moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where their second son, Jeffrey, was born. After two years in Alaska, Shirley and Don decided to make the move back to the states. They settled in Sacramento, California, where their third son, Randy, was born. Sacramento was a wonderful place to raise three young sons. After 17 years of marriage, Shirley and Don divorced.
Shirley became an Executive Assistant and later a Staff Services Analyst working for the State of California. She met Lee Sartor in 1974, and he became her companion for 22 years. They enjoyed dancing, skiing, golfing, playing tennis, going to the theater and traveling the world. Shirley and Lee bought a home together in Oakmont, and they loved living in Santa Rosa, working as volunteers at Landmark Winery. Lee was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he passed 8 months later.
Shirley knew Clint Stevenson through church, and they got married on April 16, 2005, and were married for 20 years. Shirley and Clint enjoyed living in Santa Rosa, and spending time and holidays with both of their families. One of Shirley’s favorite things to do was play Rook. Shirley was well known for her baking and cooking. She made Norwegian Waffles, Sandbakkels and Lefse, and crepes for breakfast. Shirley and Clint enjoyed going for walks around Spring Lake, attending Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Sons of Norway dinners for Lutefisk and Lefse. Shirley was active with the Santa Rosa Assistance League, volunteering for Children’s Village, a non-profit organization which built permanent homes for sibling foster children, P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood, as well as in her church circle and quilting group. Shirley and Clint loved their home where they stayed as long as possible, before moving to Oakmont Gardens in Santa Rosa.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Clint Stevenson, her loving sons, Barry Lia, Jeffrey Lea and Randy Lea, her brother Cal Olson, her grandchildren, Anna Lia, Emmi Lia, Julia Jennings, Lauren Cunningham, Olivia Meadows, Brianna Lea, and Sam Lea, and her great-grandchildren, Eloise Jennings, Charlotte Jennings, Cooper Cunningham, Savannah Cunningham, Evelyn Meadows, Scotlyn Meadows, and Luca Oliva.
A memorial service will be held on April 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1300 St. Francis Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95409. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Shirley was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She will be deeply missed and remembered for her resilience, love of family, and adventuresome spirit.
