Candace Stevenson

Candace Stevenson, 36, of Columbia passed away at University Hospital on the evening of April 8, 2020 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time due to the orders of no public gatherings. The family will plan a celebration in her honor at a later date.  Candace is survived by her loving husband Bartley, her mother Audrey Homan, her father Dallas Acuff, her sister Carrie Meireis as well as countless friends.

At a very young age if Candace ever saw someone sitting with their head down, she would walk right up to them, put her arm on their back, tilt her head around so she was face to face and would tell them It will be OK.

Candace would jump at any opportunity to help someone with any project, set any goal, or do anything fitness related.  She was full of encouragement for anything you wanted to accomplish and chances are she would help you do it!  She loved her job and was very devoted to her work. She deeply loved all her patients, coworkers, and customers. You know this because more than likely she has given you a strong handshake and a hug. Quality time was her love language. She would drop everything to spend time with you. She had a special gift of making you feel like the most important person any time you were with her. I would love to make mention of everyone she loves, but we would run out of space on the internet!! Candace was always deeply thankful for her all friends and family!

I am the luckiest person in the world to have spent 20 amazing years with Candace. She took care of me and spoiled me rotten. We worked hard, played hard and lived life large! We were very blessed and we have no regrets! We were very grateful to be able to travel and enjoy so many fun activities! She supported me at any hobby or interest I ever had. We had plans to do so many more things together and she will be deeply missed. We were meant for each other and our love was unconditional. She will never be forgotten!

Visits: 25

Condolences

  1. teni northern on April 10, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Candice but I have her mother Audrey and her sister Carrie I am sure after meeting those two that she was as sweet as wholesome his wonderful as her mother and her sister. Prayers to the family God has received another wonderful angel.



  2. Pat and Shep Kelly on April 10, 2020 at 9:47 pm

    We grieve for ourselves for the loss of our lovely girl. She will forever be in our hearts. Our love goes out to Bartley and Candace’s family & friends.



  3. Wendy Swetz on April 10, 2020 at 10:23 pm

    I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of such an amazing spirit!! My prayers are with all of you!!



  4. Beverly Linhart on April 10, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    So sorry for the loss of this beautiful young lady. My condolences to the Acuff family…Beverly Linhart



  5. David Miller on April 10, 2020 at 10:49 pm

    My heart breaks for you Bartley! I am keeping you in my prayers. I have the fondest memories of Candace. I remember one day I stopped in for something? and Candace was up on top, on the Apex of the shop roof cleaning the dirt/mildew off of the skylights. She loved things to be taken care of and well maintained. Candace was a very special person, with a beautiful soul. There will never be another person with her passion, zeal for Life, and her beautiful smile. I am so grateful for having had her as friend during her short time on Earth. I Love you Bartley!



  6. Matthew Dyer on April 10, 2020 at 11:26 pm

    Bartley, I’m sorry for your loss. Candace was one of a kind. I know you are hurting and if you need anything of me, just let me know. I’ll be praying for you.



  7. April Lynn Eatherton reuter on April 10, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family ..my mom Debbie Eatherton were friends .she would want me to send my condolences God bless May wrap his arms around all of you



  8. Darla Dorward on April 11, 2020 at 12:50 am

    Audrey,
    Don and I are so sorry for your loss. We pray for peace for you and your family at this most difficult time.



  9. Sara on April 11, 2020 at 1:07 am

    Candace was a truly unique woman. Beautiful, smart, kind, humble and fearless.. she was the person who could have a conversation with anyone and make them feel good about themselves and the world. She was matched by her true love Bartley, my cousin, who introduced us when they were only 16 and their love persisted. Love is not perfect by definition. But it is strong, and kind and persistent. And beautiful. Our family is devastated by the loss of Candace. And also, we are the better to have known her.



  10. Casey Riley on April 11, 2020 at 2:27 am

    Candace was a beautiful person inside and out. We has some amazing times together in highschool, in class and outside of class. Bartley and her were a perfect match. Praying for the family. Fly high Candace. Until we meet again!



  11. Debbie Zoeller on April 11, 2020 at 4:40 am

    Prayers for the family, my connection is through her cousins Richard and Rachel, my nephew and niece. Also my good thoughts to her parents and sister and husband. Keep the happy memories in your heart.



  12. Gary Purdome on April 11, 2020 at 7:21 am

    Bartley there is no way to express the shock and sorrow Ann and I are feeling. A vibrant life taken way too young .



  13. Bill & Julie Lipscomb on April 11, 2020 at 8:17 am

    Bill & I are very sorry for the loss of your wife, Bartley. You are in our thoughts & prayers.



  14. Patty Ann Davis Price on April 11, 2020 at 8:19 am

    I’m so very sorry for the loss of your daughter and loved one. Thoughts and prayers for the Acuff and the other families of this beautiful one .



  15. Scott baldridge on April 11, 2020 at 8:44 am

    Bartley you are one of my best friends and Candace was always smiling and with open arms to welcome anyone she met. She was truly a gift to have in this crazy world we live in. You have a lot of people praying for you and her family to hopefully to receive the strength you need to get through this. I think God just needed another angel to help spread his love! Your family and friends are all here for you, love ya man.



  16. curt sides on April 11, 2020 at 8:57 am

    Bartley I am so sorry for your loss. Candace was like a daughter to me for the few years we knew each other. My prayer and thought are with you Bartley and your family. I will miss Candace dearly!!



  17. Heather Morgan on April 11, 2020 at 9:04 am

    Candace had a beautiful soul that always had a helping hand. She was definitely never afraid of a challenge. We shared a lot of similarities, OCD was definitely one of them. I enjoyed our many talks and will miss them. God gained a beautiful angel. Until we meet again. My heart goes out to Bartley and her family. You all will be in my prayers!



  18. Amanda Ramsey on April 11, 2020 at 9:17 am

    My heart goes out to Dallas and the family for this devastating loss. Thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort.



  19. Mary Snyder on April 11, 2020 at 9:46 am

    Bartley, can’t image the loss you are feeling. Please know we are here for you when you need something.
    Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love
    Mary & Bryan
    Your Gallup Family



  20. Jeana Bishop on April 11, 2020 at 10:06 am

    Audrey, My heart goes out to you and your family. Prayers and Love, Jeana (Aurig) Bishop



  21. Joyce L. Hagerman on April 11, 2020 at 10:11 am

    Audrey, you have my sympathy.



  22. Jack Dillender on April 11, 2020 at 10:38 am

    To Dallas and the Acuff family, as you know some times it is hard to know and understand God’s Will. But knowing that God is, and is with you during this important time, will help you endure until the day Gods will is Revealed. God bless you all.



  23. Carrie Pellock on April 11, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    Such a devastating loss for so many and especially Bartley, who loved her every day of their life together- even during the tough times. Candace was tough, resilient and kind. She welcomed everyone with open arms and was first in line when someone needed help. I am so sorry for her family and friends because it will be a while before any of us ever meet someone like her. Love you girl! You will forever be missed. Carrie & Jim Pellock



  24. Sandy and Al Sharp on April 11, 2020 at 1:43 pm

    Bartley, we loved Candace like a daughter. She had such a gift of making everyone feel special. We were blessed to have both of you come into our lives when we moved to Missouri. Thank you for always being our friends. We will keep you in our prayers. We love you.



  25. Cynthia S Garcia on April 11, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    Bartley,
    So very sorry for your loss.
    (you old neighbors on Old Hwy 63)
    Cindy and Joe Garcia



  26. Mitch Mertens on April 11, 2020 at 3:01 pm

    Bartley,

    I’m so sorry, my friend. Candace was so kind to the Mertens family. I’ll never forget her drive to succeed and her smile. You were blessed to have her in your life.



  27. Don and Margie (Stegner) Scott on April 11, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    Dear Audrey and Carrie,
    I just found out about Candace. So sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Candace, but I do remember Aunt Helen Boyer telling me about how Carrie and Candace would come and help her with projects. She always said what great workers you both were. May God bless you both with His Peace and Comfort! We’ll be thinking of you and praying for you.
    Our sincere sympathy,



  28. Cindy Pudney and Family on April 11, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss and what you are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Candace was an amazing person and I am blessed to have known her. She will be missed. Lots of love.



  29. Linda Simmons on April 11, 2020 at 5:11 pm

    Audrey, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the families! ??



  30. janice (gerhardt) cooper on April 11, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Audrey, Carrie and family
    Dallas and family.
    My sympathy to you All.
    Loss is hard.
    Love holds all tight!
    Gods peace and understanding to guide you through the days and years ahead.



  31. Larry Vaughn on April 11, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    I’m truly sorry Bartley, my family is praying for you!



  32. Brad Siegler on April 11, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    Bartley, Kari and I love you guys so much. It’s still hard to believe this isn’t just a bad dream. The world is forever going to be a little less bright without Candace in it. We were looking forward to more weekend date nights flying places with you two, and it breaks our hearts to know that won’t happen. But we all know Candace would, more than anything, want you to keep on flying – she was so proud of you every time she’d tell me about progress you were making, it almost felt like she was more excited about it than you were 🙂

    We’re here for you, and we miss her so much already. Stay strong. Love you, man.



  33. Laura Cagle on April 11, 2020 at 8:18 pm

    Bartley, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. The hurt and pain are unimaginable. I love you and if you ever need to talk…I am here for you..



  34. Kenneth and Barbara Stegner Lovercamp on April 11, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    Audrey, Dallas, Carrie and families. My heart breaks for you. Thinking and praying for you in the days ahead. Be thankful for the footprints left in your hearts.



  35. Jessica Tolson on April 11, 2020 at 10:28 pm

    Beautiful Tribute? Sorry for your loss. She has been genuine since the day I met her in 3rd grade. Rest peacefully dear.



  36. Pam Massey on April 11, 2020 at 10:43 pm

    John and I were heartbroken to hear of Candace passing. She was one of the warmest, most inclusive people I have ever met. She was lovely in form and in spirit, kind and friendly to everyone at a gathering. This is such a tragic loss of such a special person.



  37. Jennifer and Chris Hanks on April 12, 2020 at 10:10 am

    Candace and Bartley were our first good friends in Missouri 14 years ago, and our lives are infinitely better for it! We are so thankful for both them and will miss Candace every day. She was a light to everyone she touched, and anyone could see she loved Bartley with her whole heart. Our prayers will continue for Bartley, family, and friends. I will always remember what “Candace clean” is, her friendship, her love. My God be your Strength, your Comfort, and your Rock.



  38. Tony and Amanda Crocker on April 12, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    Bartley
    Tony and I are still in disbelief that this has happened to such a good person. Candace always had a smile on her face and was always kind to everyone she meet. She will be deeply missed and we love you Bartley. Take care of yourself as that is what Candace would want. See you soon!
    Love
    The Crockers



  39. Joni Antonia on April 12, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    Bartley & Family,

    I never got to meet Candace but Rebecca spoke highly of her and of your relationship. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Wishing you strength and guidance during this difficult time.
    Joni Antonia



  40. JD Franklin on April 12, 2020 at 7:32 pm

    I am truly sorry for your loss Bartley
    Praying for you and your family ??



  41. Kim Schooley and mike Wieberg on April 12, 2020 at 9:21 pm

    So sorry to hear of her passing! Candace was a sweet girl who was loved by many. Prayers to you all.



  42. Paul Brugmann on April 12, 2020 at 9:30 pm

    Such sad news! I first met her through doing business with Bartley, and my observation was, what a great partner for a guy in the construction business to have! Her and Bartley modeled such a good husband / wife relationship, and I thought, how did Bartley luck out to find a girl like that who wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty?
    The last time I saw her was at the dentist’s office when she cleaned my teeth. What surprised me, since it was years since I’d last seen her, was that she was the one who recognized me! I had know idea that the woman I’d known from the construction company shop was also a Dental Hygienist! Without question, it was the nicest conversation I ever had with someone cleaning my teeth!
    May the Lord strengthen and comfort Bartley and family as the recover from their loss.



  43. Hope Timmermann and Matt on April 13, 2020 at 8:47 am

    It was a pleasure to know Candace for the short time I did. I know she will be deeply missed, and I will personally miss seeing her smile, sharing workout tips, and hanging out with her at work. She was such a kind person. My family and I pray that God grants Bartley and family the peace they need to heal and recover from such a great loss. We are here for you if you need anything at all. Sending love and prayers.



  44. Don and Lin Ries on April 13, 2020 at 12:38 pm

    Audrey and Dallas, We are saddened to learn of the loss of Candace, so young and so much to give. You can only cherish the memories and love you have for her. We could all be better by practicing how she lived.



  45. Gina and Doug Muzzy on April 13, 2020 at 8:06 pm

    Dear Bartley,
    We can’t tell you how sad we are that a beautiful spirit like Candace is no longer lighting up the earth but her spark will stay with us forever. We are thankful for the fond memories we have with you two going out to dinner and at seeing you at bank and HBA parties. We pray for your comfort and peace during this very tragic time and just know we love you both. Gina and Doug



  46. Kelly and Ken Simms on April 13, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    Bartley, Audrey, Carrie& Eric,
    Our hearts are broken for your loss and there are no adequate words to convey the sense of sorrow we feel! A bright light has been extinguished. Candace was bigger than life in every good way possible!
    Keeping you all lifted in prayer.
    We love you all!



  47. Kelly & Ben Mason on April 13, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    Dear Bartley and family,
    I was so sad to hear about Candace. My heart goes out to you during this hard time. I can remember the first time I met both of you many years ago while opening up your bank account…Not the most exciting first meeting, yet I remember the 2 of you were so friendly, and even inviting me to hang out with you sometime! The point of this story is that you both were so quick to open yourself to friendship= and that is what stood out to me! Life allows us to meet many people in our time on earth, and I am very happy to have met Candace. I wish we had all hung out more in these last couple of years, but that is life, and we need to appreciate all that we can out of it:
    **Remember Candace as you always have done and Remember the good times, laughter, and fun**

    Please know that our thoughts are with you, and Ben and I are here if you ever need anything. Kelly & Ben Mason



  48. Patty Reeves on April 14, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Lifting you up in prayer.



  49. Becky and Richard Shanks on April 14, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    Bartley,
    My husband and I have known Candace since she and our daughter Ashley went to Oakland Junior High. We remember watching both girl grow up and the many memories they shared. Candace was always kind and respectful to everyone she met and a joy to have in our home. She was a beautiful person inside and out, she didn’t know a stranger. A rare individual who was able to make everyone around her at ease and comfortable. She will be sorely missed. Our prayer are with you and your family.



  50. Keith and Judy Reninger on April 15, 2020 at 12:40 pm

    Dear Bartley and families, Keith and I were in shock when he found out about candace’s accident. We remember 4th of July celebrations at your country place. How everyone greeted us and our granddaughter Bree with open arms. The fun,food, and great celebrating. Candace and I visited a short while yet it felt like we’d known each other a long time. Bree said each time she saw her again “nana that lady is really nice.” She’d leave with fireworks, a full stomach and we all remarked on the way home what a great time we had. Heal well and be gentle with yourselves. Our prayers are with you. We’re blessed to have known her. Keith and Judy Reninger and Bree



  51. Cooper Snyder on April 15, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    Bartley,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I’m keeping you in my prayers.

    Condolences



  52. Houston Curtis on April 16, 2020 at 3:11 am

    Bartley,
    We have yet to meet but my name is Houston Curtis and I am your sister Nancy’s boyfriend. Nancy had been speaking so fondly of both you and Candace the other morning, before the call came. I was sincerely touched to hear how much she admired you both and of course deeply saddened just hours later that same day to see Nancy in tears wishing she could be by your side. From everything I’ve learned, it seems that Candace was an extraordinary woman who loved you fiercely. What a rare and beautiful thing. My prayers and thoughts are with you…and I hope I have the chance to one day meet the man that Nancy loves and admires so much.
    Sincerely,
    Houston



  53. Jamison Family on April 16, 2020 at 7:49 am

    Beautifully written. There are no words to say to a spouse and parents. My heart breaks for you.



  54. Jason Younger on April 16, 2020 at 7:58 am

    I am crushed by your loss, life can disappear just like that. I had a similar experience but did feel this loss. My heart goes out for showing you I am there to show my love. She, and you will be in my prayers, that’s what we can do.Leave it to God now.



  55. Renée Fiquet Freeman on April 17, 2020 at 2:25 pm

    I had the pleasure and privilege of being Candace’s guide through Sedalia State Fair’s Dental Hygiene Program . She was the very first class and I am thankful God sent her. She was energetic and thrilled to learn all. She helped everyone in the program and took correction with a general heart! She became a healer extraordinary! I was again blessed to see her clean her family’s teeth and her love Bartley. She brought her dental family into our program and Dr. Scott taught for many years in our program
    She had love all around. She would often stay late and we talked and prayed together. She was connected to nature and the spirit of creation in a mysteriously natural way. I believe she lived her life as a true warrior spirit. She embraced life and death as part of creation. When my mother died ten years ago, I was by her bedside and actually saw ( really) energy leave her. The details are only given over a beer or wine lol, but I know our energy goes on, it is not destroyed. I also know that the spirit of Candace is embedded in all of us that were fortunate to spend time with her. She will always be with us!
    I will always meditate on her smile!
    I called her cadence Candace bc she always had a great rhythm about her. My love and prayers for all of us to experience her supernaturally, spirituality in the life here on earth we live without her physical presence. Shalom
    Renée Fiquet Freeman rdh
    I pray God puts us together! Adieu



  56. Jessica Lawson on April 18, 2020 at 7:23 pm

    Candace was one of my childhood best friends. We played endlessly in our backyards & put on little performances together. She was the first person I ever saw eat an avocado in the 90s and as a little kid I thought it was so gross. That memory puts a smile in my heart. She was adventurous and warm-hearted and I will treasure our childhood memories. A beautiful soul, taken too soon. My heart goes out to the Acuff & Stevenson families. May you find space in your hearts for healing.
    Love,
    Jessica Lawson



  57. Cheryl Imhoff on September 12, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    To Audrey, Carrie, Dallas and all who loved this Beautiful Young Lady,
    I just learned of your loss and I am so very sorry for your pain. I hope you realize you are in so many people thoughts and prayers even now. May you find comfort in God’s true Love.
    Cheryl & Russell Imhoff



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