Luella.  Stevenson, Jennie

Jennie Luella Stevenson of 5226 Pine Ridge Road, Trumansburg, passed away at her residence on Sunday, May 11, 2003 at the age of 98.

Born in Trumansburg on January 30, 1905, Jennie was the daughter of Fred Newton Smith and Minnie Almira Durling Smith. She graduated from the Ithaca High School in 1923.

Considered one of the true pioneer farmers Jennie and her husband Clinton R. Stevenson assumed the operation of Pine Ridge Farms from her parents in the spring of 1936. Jennie had a myriad of duties but her energies were always focused on nurturing and "mothering" the calves. This devotion to their well-being, (and often their survival), not only earned her the title of "calf-lady" but also won the respect of many esteemed Cornell Professors who brought their animal husbandry students to Jennie for a first-hand look at the "right" way to care for an unhealthy calf.

Jennie could often be found tending her prolific gardens and at harvest time she worked non-stop to can so that her growing family could enjoy fresh vegetables all year long. It was not only family members who were fed well, but anyone who stopped at Pine Ridge Farms found themselves eating, hungry or not. Jennie's famous sugar cookies were savored by everyone with that recipe clinching a first-prize ribbon at the Grange.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses and was active in their circle meetings. Jennie was known for providing breathe-taking flower arrangements for the church which were cut fresh from her garden. She was also a member of the Cooperative Extension's Home Demonstration Group, the Trumansburg Senior Citizens and was a life-member of the Trumansburg Star Chapter #479 Order of the Eastern Star.

Jennie was preceded in death by her devoted husband Clinton R. Stevenson on March 21, 1987 and by her precious grandson Bryon Smith in January of 1974. She is survived by 3 sons, James (Georgianna), Edward (Patricia) and Keith (Geri) all of Trumansburg; 2 daughters, Joyce (Stillman) Clark of Fairport and Marilyn Smith of Ovid; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; a sister-in-law, Lillie Smith of Interlaken and many neices, nephews and cousins. Jennie treasured the times when her children and grandchildren came to the farm for a visit. Her joy and warm presence will live on in their hearts forever.

The family will be present to receive their friends at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg on Wednesday, May 14 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 11:00 am with the Rev. Jeffrey S. Kellam officiating.

Contributions in Jennie's memory may be directed to the Ulysses Historical Society, P.O. Box 455, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director