Lelia Claire Stevens, 91, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Maple Woods Assisted Living in Cohasset, MN.

Lelia was born October 31, 1933, to Frank and Iola Humphrey in Keokuk, Iowa. She spent her formative years in Keokuk and graduated from Keokuk High School in 1951. Her journey through life was marked by a deep sense of love, adventure, and community.

On January 5, 1952, Lelia was united in marriage with Clayton Ike Stevens in Ottumwa, IA. They spent their earliest years in Sigourney, IA.

In 1967 they purchased a small cabin on Bittersweet Island, of Lake Kabetogama, Minnesota.  In 1973 they moved from Sigourney to the cabin, where they resided full time.

Lelia worked at Gateway Store and commuted to work by boat in the summer months, and by car across the ice in the winter.

Throughout her life Lelia worked many jobs, but by far, the job she loved the most was to be a homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother.

In 1978, the U.S. National Park Service purchased the island and Lelia and Clayton moved onto the mainland into the community of Kabetogama.   They spent their time fishing, boating, snowmobiling, participating in community events, and enjoying time with friends.  Eventually, they became "Snowbirds", and traveled every year to their winter residence in Apache Junction, AZ.

They moved to Bovey, MN, in 2006, allowing them to be closer to their family.  In 2019 they moved to Colony Square in Grand Rapids.

Lelia's love for life was expressed through her passions for square dancing, reading, needlework, and traveling. Alongside Clayton, she traveled to all 50 states, and all Canadian provinces, creating lasting memories along the way.

Lelia was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church, TOPS, and West Range Seniors of Bovey. Her generous spirit extended to volunteering at the Salvation Army and her church.

Lelia Stevens will be remembered for her zest for life, her dedication to family and community, and her adventurous spirit. She touched the hearts of many and leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Verna Mae (David) Viebrock and her brother Arthur Joseph Humphrey.

Lelia is survived by her loving husband of 73 years Clayton Stevens, Grand Rapids; son Michael (Paula) Stevens, Grand Rapids, MN; her treasured granddaughter Sophie Claire Stevens; her sister-in-law Sara Humphrey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, MN. Visitation will begin at the church one-hour prior. Internment will be held in the spring at the Kabetogama Cemetery.

Please keep Lelia's family in your thoughts and prayers.