Aletha Bevens

Aletha I. Bevens, 84, Topeka, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2012 at Midland Hospice House.

Aletha was born July 31, 1927 in Dodge City, the daughter of Raymond and Opal (Nicolay) Briggs. She graduated from Dodge City High School and received her Bachelor's Degree in Science from Northwest Nazarene University and completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Stormont-Vail School of Nursing.
In her career as a Registered Nurse, she worked at K.N. I., Topeka State Hospital, Stormont-Vail Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and the Veteran's Administration Hospital, retiring in 1995.

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and had previously been a member of Faith Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Stormont-Vail School of Nursing Alumni, Class of 1950. She retained her Nursing license until 2011.

Aletha married Dr. Lonnie James Bevens, Sr. on September 2, 1946 in Topeka. He died July 18, 2001. Survivors include sons, Lonnie J. Bevens, II, Macau (SAR), David L. (Jodie) Bevens, Topeka; daughters, Jeannette M. (Robert) Toppel, Portland, OR, Charlotte L. (David) Frampton and Marilyn D. (Humberto) Soto, both of Topeka; 15 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 brother; and 4 sisters. She was also preceded in death by a son; 1 brother and 1 sister.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Topeka Cemetery. Mrs. Bevens will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 and the family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stormont-Vail School of Nursing, 1500 SW 10th, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or St. John's Lutheran Church, 901 SW Fillmore, Topeka, Kansas 66606.