At the age of three or four, she was able to identify the cello upon hearing a recording of Pablo Casals playing Saint-Saens’ “Le Cygne” (The Swan), and knew then that she, too, would pursue that instrument as her life’s work--which she did.

Stevie attended Sharpstein Elementary, Garrison Junior High School, and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1959. She was proud of the fact that she was part of the first 9th grade class that attended the new Garrison, and helped choose the school colors and the Troopers mascot name. Growing up, Stevie played in her school orchestras and in the Walla Walla Symphony, the oldest continuous U.S. orchestra west of the Mississippi.

Stevie received her bachelor of fine arts in music performance from Stephens College (Columbia, Mo.) in 1962. Stevie’s favorite cello professor at Stephens, Eula Simmons, described Stevie’s playing in a letter to her parents this way: “She is the most gifted student that I have had the pleasure of knowing in more than ten years at Stephens College. Besides a natural feeling for musical phrasing, Stevie has a lovely sound on her instrument which has charmed all of us.” For graduation, Stevie’s parents purchased a Thomas Dodd cello that was made in 1790 in England, which she played for the rest of her life. She went on to pursue advanced studies at the Indiana University School of Music (Bloomington, Ind.) and to study with Janos Starker.

In 1965, Stevie moved to Portland, where she auditioned for the Portland Symphony, which was then a part-time position. This orchestra became the Oregon Symphony and Stevie worked at various times over the years as a union representative for her fellow musicians. At some point, the Oregon Symphony was able to provide a full-time living to its members. Stevie played her cello in the Oregon Symphony for 38 years. In addition, she played in the West Coast Chamber Orchestra, and in retirement, she was delighted to play for the Newport (Oregon) Symphony. During her years in Oregon, Stevie taught dozens, if not hundreds, of cello students, both in her homes in Portland and Gleneden Beach, and at the Community Music Center in Portland for more than 30 years.

Stevie was married in 1967 to Ernest McDougal. They divorced in 1981. She was never without a dog and always adopted them from the Oregon Humane Society. Her last dog, Clio, was found abandoned on Highway 101. Stevie loved to travel (especially by cruise ship), was a voracious reader, and of course, was devoted to her music. She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Walla Walla), Trinity Episcopal Church (Portland), and St. James Santiago Episcopal Church (Lincoln City), where she and her dear friend, violinist Kathy Follett, started a children’s orchestra, and where she played her cello every Sunday.

Stevie is survived by her three sisters, Christopher Eubanks of Honolulu, Meg Eubanks of Tacoma, and Kathryn Eubanks Zahl (Jerry) of Walla Walla. She also leaves two mutually loved nephews, Evan Bird (a fellow professional musician in Nashville, Tenn.), and Andrew Zahl (Walla Walla). She is also survived by a large group of friends and colleagues in both Portland and Gleneden Beach, whom she adored. Her infectious laugh will be missed by all who loved her.

The family held a private graveside service at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla on Saturday, Sept. 10. A memorial celebration of life service will take place at St. James Santiago Episcopal Church, Lincoln City, on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Music Center or the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital, both in Portland; or to St. James Santiago Episcopal Church in Lincoln City, or to the donor’s charity of choice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla WA 99362