TRAVERSE CITY — Carol Ellen Stevens, 72, of Traverse City, went to Heaven on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Carol was born Oct. 8, 1938, in Muskegon, to the late Eino Jacob and Bernice May (McClain) Wiitala. She married Gerald Lee Stevens on Oct. 12, 1956, at Kaleva Baptist Church. They made their home in Traverse City and lovingly raised six children.Carol was a kind, loving Christian mother redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus, her Savior. She enjoyed serving the Lord at Immanuel Baptist Church in Traverse City. Carol was a natural musician. She loved to play the organ and had an amazing gift for harmonizing with the special different groups of people with whom she sang, including the Honey Harmonizers from Mesick High School Class of 1956. In her spare time she loved to play and listen to the piano, sew, read to her grandchildren and cook for her family. She had an incredible gift of hospitality. Recently she achieved KOPS status and was named queen of her Tops Club. Carol was dearly loved and cherished by her family, and we will always be grateful for the godly heritage she provided for us. Surviving Carol are her husband, Gerald; children, Matthew (Sandra) Stevens, Jeff (Terry) Stevens, Terry (Tricia) Stevens, Leeanne (Michael) Lane, Linda (David) Livermore and Kristi (David) VanderZon; daughter in-law, Jackie Stevens; grandchildren, Clay (Alicia) Stevens, Lucas and Jacob McClure, Benjamin (Cayla) Lane, Isaac Boyer, Alaina Stevens, Kindra VanderZon, Zachary Lane, Carolyn Lane, Emily Livermore, Elizabeth Lane, Kacie VanderZon, Grace Livermore and Peter Lane; great-grandchildren Brylie and Caylie Stevens; brother, Don (Joan) Wiitala, Marilee (Richard) Duncan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.Carol was preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Aaron Stevens. Visitation will be held for Carol on Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held for Carol at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011, also at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Burial will take place at a later date at Marilla Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Immanuel Baptist Church. Please sign Carol's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.