Claudia 'Mikki' Stevens, 76

Claudia "Mikki" Stevens passed away at home peacefully, surrounded by her family July 27, 2024. Born on June 25, 1948, to Ruth and Milton McDermid in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Mikki left her mark on the CDA community. 

Mikki was a proud Coeur d'Alene High School alum who, during her Viking days, was a member of the drill team performing as a baton twirler and the Viking mascot. Following high school, she went to Pacific Lutheran University and received her B.A. in Fine Arts. PLU fostered her love for education and the arts, but its greatest gift was introducing her to the love of her life, Dennis Stevens. The pair married Dec. 29, 1970, at the Fort Sherman Chapel in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Following their wedding, they moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where Mikki pursued her acting and dancing ambitions. 

In 1971, Mikki's dreams came to fruition when she became the voice of Pebbles Flintstone on "The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show." Additionally, she booked roles in many television series, including "Columbo" and "Emergency," and was the lead tap dancer in the movie "Hot Tomorrows."

In 1976, Dennis and Mikki relocated back to the PNW. They welcomed their daughter, Dustyne Taylor Stevens, in 1978. Mikki continued her artistic career as a jazz, tap, ballet and aerobics instructor and founded the dance performance group McD and Company. In 1984, Dennis and Mikki moved to Alaska. While continuing dance instruction, Mikki developed a passion for natural bodybuilding competitions, winning several awards in her weight class. In 1988, they moved back to Idaho, where Mikki managed Cedars Floating Restaurant and later became a Culinary Arts instructor at North Idaho College. She taught hundreds of students the art of etiquette and restaurant service through her management of NIC's restaurant, Emerys. 

In 1991, Mikki founded the Red Hot Mamas. Dedicated to the exploitation of merriment and enhancement of the ridiculous, she found joy in bringing smiles and comedic relief wherever the RHMs went. Those performances included two Presidential Inaugural Parades, three Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades, London, England, bowl games, charity events, fundraisers, and many Fourth of July parades in her favorite place of all time … Coeur d'Alene. More importantly than the parades, Mikki inspired women of all ages, shapes and sizes to believe in themselves, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and never let anyone tell them they couldn't do something.

Mikki continued her pursuit of education, receiving her Master's in organizational leadership in 2006, and pivoted to teaching speech and communication at NIC. She thrived, instilling confidence and bringing out the best in every student she encountered. Mikki was committed to bringing joy, laughter and love into a hurting world despite her own long-suffering battle with cancer. She fought fiercely until the very end. Her life was big, beautiful and boldly marked by her love of her savior, Jesus Christ. It was and is the honor of our lifetime to know, experience and love her with all of our hearts. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Milton McDermid. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dennis Stevens; her daughter, Dusty Stevens-Curlee (Chris); grandchildren Kennedy and Braeden Gelnette; sisters Gail Toney and Paula Phelps; and her mother, Ruth McDermid. Mikki's celebration of life will be held Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church. 

Per Mikki's request, attendees are asked to wear bright colors to honor her. For more information, please visit the English Funeral Home website at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.