Carla A. Drescher

Carla Drescher (Stevenson) passed away December 15, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. She was born October 20, 1958 in Salina, KS to Jack and Virginia Stevenson, graduated from Great Bend High School in 1976 and later attended the University of Kansas obtaining both a bachelors and masters' degree in Social Welfare. During her time in High School she joined the esteemed Argonne Rebel's Drum and Bugle Corps, traveling the country with her parents and friends as leader of the cymbal line. She'd often said those were some of the best times of her life. She dedicated her life to the service of others, not to fulfill her heart, but to help others realize their true potential.

Carla was married to Tom Stephenson in September 1981. A couple months later she and Tom found out they were expecting a child. Tom passed away in a car accident in June 1982, knowing he would be a Daddy. Lindsey was born on November 24th, 1982 and was Carla's pride and joy. The birth of Lindsey and the comfort and nurturing provided by Tom's family, the Stephenson Clan, would be just what Carla needed to forge ahead, eventually changing the lives of others.

Carla married Phillip Drescher on December 29, 1984 and served as a Navy wife for 9 years. Carla and Phil welcomed a son, Bryan, on August 4th, 1986. After Phil left the Navy, Carla's career in Child Welfare began in earnest. She started as a case manager, but quickly worked her way to the founding director of the new Juvenile Justice Authority for the 5th Kansas Judicial District. She held several positions in the Kansas child welfare system but her most rewarding work was done as CEO of her own Non-Profit Organization, The Blue Door Project. Carla survived long enough to ensure the torch was passed on to the capable hands of Avenue of Life, who will continue to serve at-risk teens in Kansas City.

Carla was a founding member of St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe, and is survived by her husband Phil, two children Lindsey and Bryan, and four grandchildren, Ohndrea, Addison, Ethan and Graham, who affectionately called her "Nina." She is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Virginia Stevenson and her first husband Tom Stephenson.

Carla also had a great love of family, leaving behind two brothers, Mike and Gary Stevenson, adoptive parents Clare and Lewis Stephenson and five brothers, Tim, Taber, Tedd, Todd, and Tyler Stephenson. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Virginia Stevenson.

In lieu of flowers, Carla requested new duffel bags filled with toiletries, socks, underwear, shirts, and pants (these will be given out as "welcome" packages to Children in Foster Care). Memorials can be made out to Avenue of Life for The Blue Door Project.

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