Dorothy Phillips Yunck Stevens, 96, born November 18, 1917, to Elmer Phillips and Jessie Kinkade Phillips, died on the 18^th of August, two months shy of her 97^th birthday.  She had been on a long visit with her daughter, Diane Yunck Neale, in Malibu, California, while recuperating from extended illnesses.

          She is preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Elmer; by her sister, Rosemary Phillips Crouch of Texas; her brother-in law, Clifford Crouch; her brother, Jean Phillips of New Jersey; her husband of 33 years, George Feick Yunck; and her late husband, Charles L. Stevens of Olney.

          She is survived by her daughters, Diane Yunck Neale, of Malibu, CA; Lauren Claire Yunck (Austin) Stout of Conway, Arkansas; son-in law, L. Ford Neale, of Malibu, CA; grandchildren, Georgia Ford Neale, of Oakland, CA; Jules Arthur Neale, of Los Angeles, CA; Amanda and Heath Henderson, of  Conway, Arkansas; stepsons and daughters; as well as many cousins in Richland County.

          Dorothy will be buried on October 18, 2014, 11 AM, next to her husband, George, in Haven Hill Cemetery along with two preceding generations of her family. 

          Dorothy was known in Olney for her fine dressmaking, which she loved to do until the day she died and for her love of viola playing.  Her lifelong learning and ongoing participation continued from the family childhood trio onward through “The String Ensemble”, which was known as the “The String Class” when it was offered yearly through Olney Central College.

          Friends of Dorothy and those who love live music of The String Ensemble are welcomed to join the family for a musical performance to celebrate her life on Saturday, October 18^th, 2014, at One o’clock PM at the First Methodist Church, 335 S. Fair St., Olney, IL.

The family desires that anyone who wishes to make a thoughtful remembrance of Dorothy address a gift of any amount to the current director, Rev. David McNabb, for The String Ensemble.(May be sent in care of the First Presbyterian Church.) These designated funds will be used for the group’s expenses and purchases of music.

Information provided by Lauren Yunck Stout