Mary Lee Stevens (Quinn) went to be with our creator and our ancestors on November 15, 2018. At the time of her passing at South Lyon Medical Center she was surrounded by family. Mary was 82.

Mary was born in Smith Valley, NV on February 14, 1936 to Frank and Hazel Quinn. She was delivered by "Dr. Mary" and only weighed 3 pounds and could fit in the hand of her father. Her family lived in Smith Valley at the time, but when she was 18 months old her family moved to a 3 room house at the "new Indian reservation" called Campbell Ranch which is where she grew up.

Mary attended the Yerington Indian School on the "rez" and then began in Yerington public schools in the 2 ^nd grade. Her first language was Paiute (Numu), so had to learn a foreign language, English. She was a firm believer in education and at the age of 55 earned her Associates in child development at Truckee Meadows College (TMC).

Mary lived a full life. As a young woman she was an educator with Head start, a wife, a mother, tribal activist in the 70's, a tribal council member, the first baseman on the Colonettes all women's softball team, an avid Elvis fan, and a hunter. In her later years, she was a strong Indian woman voice in politics and actively campaigned for Obama. She was a student senator at TMC. She stayed active in tribal politics in the enrollment and elders committees. For the tribe's youth summer program, she taught native crafts. She loved gathering pinenuts and buckberries with family.

Perhaps her greatest contribution to the world was demonstrated by her belief in native traditions and strength of family. She married Delmar Stevens and together they had 7 children, Nikki Lowell, Mayleen Sam, Kellie Stevens, Lenis Stevens, Delmar Stevens, Deborah Stevens and Suzie Stevens.   Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Hazel Quinn, sister Sophina Smith, brother Reford Pitts, husband Delmar Stevens, daughters Lenis and Suzie and grandson James. She is survived by a vast number of descendants and people who loved her dearly.

Funeral services are scheduled on November 24, 2018 at the Yerington Paiute Tribe (YPT) gym at 11:00 am and traditional dinner immediately following at the YPT Community Center.  Family and friends are invited to sign her online guest book at www.FRFH.net

Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911