Ava Caroline Stevens

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our precious daughter, Ava Caroline Stevens, who left this world on October 31st, 2025, at just six months old. Born on April 27th, 2025, Ava brought light, laughter, and unconditional love to everyone who knew her. Her sparkling green eyes, mischievous grin, and gentle spirit filled every moment with joy. She was her mama’s sunshine on cloudy days, her daddy’s little pumpkin wrapped in warmth, and a blessing to all who knew her.

Ava loved soft teal, lavender, baby pink, and the color orange she shared with her mama. She enjoyed watching musicals, being read to, listening to songs, and accompanying her parents on antiquing trips. She was her mama’s little helper in the kitchen, a calm and joyful passenger on car rides, and happiest snuggled in a warm blanket with her daddy. Every giggle and smile reminded her family of what truly matters.

She was dearly wished for by her sister, Addison “Addie” Lee Evans, who loved her already and is taking her passing hard. Ava was deeply loved by both sides of her family, uniting them in joy and tenderness. She was the first granddaughter of Bob and Sarah Stevens, who adored her, and the granddaughter of Mike and Christy Hales, who cherished every moment with her.

Ava was her mama’s “Sweet Caroline” at Midwest Eye Consultants, where she brightened the office and was treated like part of the family until Hannah became a stay-at-home mom. She was the office baby, bringing joy to every day she touched.

Ava was baptized at Comer Children’s Hospital on October 30th. Her father often sang “Yours” to her, and her mother cherished the song “Caroline,” the namesake that reflected their bond. Elephants will forever remind Grant of his sweet girl, and the warm, peaceful image of Heaven as a wide and gentle farm brings comfort to those who will one day see her again.

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Preceded in death by:

Great-grandfathers: Chris Lancaster, Bruce Armstrong, Harvey Stevens, Carl Ray Hales

Great-grandmother: Kobey Stevens

Survived by:

Parents: Hannah Kirkpatrick and Grant Stevens

Sister: Addison “Addie” Lee Evans

Cousins and best friends: Elliot Allen Stevens and John Blaine Moye III

Maternal Family – Pikeville, NC:

Aunts: Chrislyn (Prentice) Belcher, Weslea Kirkpatrick (Weslea’s son: John Blaine Moye III)

Uncle: Brandon Hales

Grandparents: Mike and Christy Hales

Great-grandmother: Linda Carol Lancaster (“Nana”)

Paternal Family:

Aunts: Laura (Chris) Humphreys, Grace Stevens

Uncle: Nathan Stevens and his wife Abby Stevens (their son: Elliot Stevens)

Great-grandmother: Carol Jensen

Grandparents: Bob and Sarah Stevens

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While flowers and plants are welcome as symbols of the life she shared with us, the family also welcomes donations in Ava’s memory to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago or to help with Addie’s future college education. Most of all, your love, support, and prayers are treasured. 

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Hannah’s Prayer

There’s a place where the sun always shines,

And the birds keep perfect time with the pines up yonder.

Where Pop Carl Ray rolls up in his red truck,

And Aunt Sarah dresses each child just so, with love and luck.

Where angel babies fly and play,

Though gone too soon, they laugh in the golden day.

Where Mammys bake on Sundays, warm and sweet,

Apple turnovers and chicken pastry fill every street.

Horses wander on paths of gold,

And the lost and lonely find arms to hold.

The sick are healed, the blind can see,

All hearts are free, and all souls are free.

“Let the little children come to me,”

The Shepherd calls through heaven’s tree.

And there, our little bird, Ava Caroline, flies,

Her sparkling green eyes lighting the skies.

She twirls with angels, her spirit so high,

A shepherd of joy in the heavens on high.

The farm above, so wide and free,

Welcomes her with Papa Chris and great-grandfather Bruce lovingly.

She dances, she laughs, she sings in the air,

And leaves us her love everywhere.

Until the day we meet once more,

On golden streets by Heaven’s door.

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Though her time on earth was brief, Ava’s life was full of love, joy, and wonder. She reminded her family of innocence, God’s perfection, and the power of unconditional love. Her spirit lives on in every sunrise, every song, every gentle moment shared by those who loved her.

A memorial service to celebrate Ava’s life will be held at a later date, once her family can plan a tribute worthy of the love, light, and beauty she brought into the world.

Forever loved,

Forever missed,

Forever our Ava Caroline.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ava Caroline Stevens, please visit our floral store.