May 12, 2026
Hermalee Wheeler Stevens
February 25, 1933 - May 3, 2026
Hermalee W. Stevens “Lee,” 93, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Ashland, Kentucky, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 3, 2026. Lee was born February 25, 1933 in Paintsville, Kentucky to Sherman and Mary Ellen “Ella” Wheeler. Lee graduated from Ashland High School and attended Transylvania University.
Lee lived a life of love, determination, fierce loyalty to family, centered on her faith in Jesus Christ. Her influence and walk of faith inspired her family and others, as she was always ready to provide encouragement by her presence and prayers.
From an early age she was drawn to horses and her favorite was Billy. She continued this passion throughout her life, as she enjoyed times spent as an adult showing her Arabian Horse, El Kalifa, alongside her trainers Bob and Jean Hart. In 1980 - 2007, Lee and Dana Zeller partnered to begin Equivisions Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program for children in the Ashland Community.
Lee pursued golf, with the same vigor and commitment as her other endeavors. She had memorable moments at Bellefonte Country Club in the Women’s 18 Hole Golf League. In addition she enjoyed participating in tournaments locally as well as in Kiowa, South Carolina, and Bermuda.
Of course anyone who knew Lee appreciated her as an avid University of Kentucky Wildcat Fan. She had UK Football Season Tickets from 1998 - 2012. For many of those seasons Lee and her sister, Bebe, would make the trip to Lexington for games, enjoying the food, fun, and fellowship of being part of Big Blue Nation. She attended many UK Basketball Games, as well, including trips to Atlanta, fondly called “Catlanta,” for the SEC Tournament. When Lee moved to Mesa, Arizona, in 2018, she continued to follow her UK Wildcats by subscribing to Cats Pause, listening to KSR Radio, and watching UK Sports. No matter her age, when people met Lee, they were amazed at her vast knowledge about her UK Wildcats, and her recall of games and players. Lee truly enjoyed all sports. She was a Bengals Season Ticket Holder from 1968 -1980, traveling to the games with her son, Greg. She remained a fan throughout life.
Entertaining family and friends brought her so much joy. She was an extraordinary hostess and cook, to which she credits her mother. Each Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Birthday, as well as other occasions, were so memorable because of the love and festive atmosphere she created.
Lee was a devoted student of the Bible. Reading God’s Word daily was a top priority. In the 1980’s - 2010 she attended Community Bible Study, which was a true joy in her life. She valued the Bible Study each week, as well as the friendships and fellowship. Lee was a member of Fairview Baptist Church, Westwood, Kentucky. During her years in Arizona she attended North Phoenix Baptist Church.
Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Ella Wheeler; her husband, Thomas E. Stevens; her son, George Gregory Stevens; her grandson, Braden Gregory Stevens; and seven siblings. She is survived by her son, Rev. Thomas E. Stevens and his wife, Debbie, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and daughter, Debbi Stevens of Mesa, Arizona; three grandchildren, Thomas Eugene III, Eric Hampton, and Alexis Madison; and two great-grandchildren, Elora Kiana and Hallie Anne; siblings; Charles Wheeler, George Wheeler, Mary Lou Wheeler Allen, Regina Wheeler Adams. Lee loved and was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services for Lee will be conducted Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at the Lazear Funeral Home Chapel in Ashland by Brother Cecil “CJ” Murray, Jr., with burial to follow in Ashland Cemetery. Friends may call one hour before service time at the funeral home on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made to Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center, Inc., a licensed 501(c)3 non-profit equine assisted services center serving Central Kentucky. Their mission is to provide children and adults, with diverse needs, a solid foundation for developing life skills through equine-assisted activities and therapies in a safe and caring environment. They serve individuals from over 12 counties through a variety of programs, utilizing horses as a modality for growth, self-discovery, independence, and emotional regulation. They offer five impactful programs, including Therapeutic Riding Lessons, Operation Hope Veterans Program, Equine-Assisted Learning Youth Program, Physical Therapy, and Learning with Libby, each tailored to meet the unique needs of their participants. To donate you can use the following online link https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/hooves-of-hope-donation-form or mail donations to Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center, 735 Chenault Bridge Rd, Lancaster KY 40444.
Lazear Funeral Home is both honored and privileged to have been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Stevens.
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