Steven Adams

Steven Raye Adams age 82, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, passed away at The Views of Marion, March 25, 2026, after slowly declining over ten years from Alzheimers disease.

Steve’s brain will be used for Alzheimers research at UIHC. The family will gather in May to celebrate Steves life. Steve was born in 1943 to Ernestine and Garland Adams. He graduated from Dyer High School in Dyer, Indiana, where he played basketball, football, and was editor of the school newspaper. He received his bachelor’s degree in English from Indiana State University and earned his master’s degree in English at Valparaiso University. Steve met a fellow student, Paula Bloomer, through his job at the library on campus. Steve and Paula were married in 1967. Steve taught English at Crown Point, Indiana, for four years. They set out to explore New England in 1970, settling in West Woodstock, Vermont. He taught English at the Union School for six years before becoming a Uniserv Director for the state.

Steve and Paula welcomed two daughters, Polly and Emily, both delivered during February snowstorms. While not teaching, he worked at the Woodstock Country Club as a ground’s keeper in summers and as a cross-country ski instructor during winters. In 1980, he became a Uniserv Director for ISEA (Iowa State Education Association) and settled in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He was employed with ISEA for 25 years negotiating teachers contracts and mediating disputes.

In retirement he spent most of his time reading non-fiction, playing golf, hiking, biking, traveling, camping, canoeing and kayaking with family and friends. He particularly enjoyed his Wednesday coffee group with fellow retired teachers. Christmas gatherings were extra special by Steve making his homemade cinnamon swirl and whole wheat bread. Steve believed he was “rich in daughters” lyrics from a favorite Greg Brown song. He would often sing this song while smiling lovingly to his daughters. His big smiles, warm hugs, and love pats are greatly cherished.

Steve is survived by his wife, Paula; daughters, Polly (Mike) Downs and Emily (Dana) Vig; and grandchildren, Ella and Lily Downs, Ryan and Renee Vig.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Patty Ankrum’s Prairie Legacy at www.inhf.org/patty-ankrum to support his love of nature.