Kay Stovell

Kay Evans Stovell of Alpine, Texas, passed into the arms of Jesus on Sept. 30, 2021. She was 81 years young, and surrounded by family in Abilene, Texas. Kay was born in Roswell, N.M., on Aug. 27, 1940.

She grew up in Roswell, and attended Roswell High School until her family moved to Alpine in 1958. She graduated from Alpine High School, class of 1958, then went on to attend Sul Ross State University.

In June 1959 she and John Robert “Bob” Stovell were married at St. James Episcopal Church. The couple started off by moving to Lubbock, Texas, where they worked and went to Texas Tech University. Kay worked in the library at Tech until the birth of their son John in May 1960. She then became a devoted mother and helper to her husband. In 1962, a second son, Joe was born.

After working and finishing college at Tech, the young family found work that took them to Fort Worth, Texas. In Fort Worth Kay had many activities with PTA, church, and bridge clubs.

In 1969 a new addition to the family was born. Stephanie came into her world in July, and the household changed because now they had a precious little girl. This addition to the family brought new friendships and acquaintances.

As time passed, more work opportunities took the family to El Paso in 1973. Kay was very busy with being a loving mother and wife. The children grew rapidly, and became involved with all sorts of school and community activities. Sports and church seemed to occupy a lot of the time. As time went by she found time to teach kindergarten at All Saints Episcopal School. She found her calling as a teacher because she loved children.

After 13 years in El Paso, her children had grown to start their own lives. In 1986, she and Bob accepted a challenge to move to Colorado and develop a ranching and hunting property for Phillip Anschutz. They spent 10 years there and, having completed their project, moved back to Alpine in 1996.

At that time, grandchildren had begun to arrive in the family, and Kay was back in the business of nurturing children. In Alpine Kay was involved with Pilot Club, bridge clubs, and the altar guild of Holy Cross Anglican Church. After a few years she worked at Needleworks dress shop, and found a new calling. She was always fashion conscious and dressed accordingly. She made many friends helping people pick the right outfit for them.

She retired to take care of her plants and pets at their home in Alpine. She continued to play bridge until COVID-19 stopped social activities. The last year of her life was spent battling cancer, but this extra year of life allowed her to see the addition of another great grandson to the family.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bob; sons John (Lorena) of Alamogordo, N.M. and Joe (Julie) of Alpine; her daughter Stephanie Johnson (Kevin) of Abilene; six grandchildren, Crystal Stovell, Jaelyn Rose Blackwell (Taylor), LJ Stovell (Brandyn), John Thomas Cary (Lisa), Catherine Grace Cary, and Sarah Faith Cary; four great grandchildren; her brother Duane Evans (Sue) of Roswell, N.M.; her sister Jan Britt (Gary) of Tulsa, Okla.; and many nieces and nephews. Services for Kay will be held at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Alpine on Oct. 16 at 10 a.m., with burial at Elm Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Church, Hospice of the Big Country, Alpine Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.