Birdena I. Stead, 89, of Brookston, died Thursday, October 25, 2012 at St. Elizabeth Hospital of Lafayette. She was born February 7, 1923 in Warren County on the farm belonging to her late parents, George and Bessie Clawson, who taught school there. She graduated from Pine Village High School in 1940. She married Paul Stead in 1956 in Logansport. He preceded her in death on September 30, 1991. Birdena worked as a secretary for various companies including Selective Service, Guernsey Breeders and Lafayette Dental Lab. She was a member of the First Assembly of God of Lafayette. She enjoyed reading, walking, hummingbirds and playing cards, especially Hand & Foot, with her friends. Birdena also enjoyed caring for her family. Surviving is a son; Roger Stead (wife: Bea) of Lafayette, a daughter; Denise McKnight (husband: Max) of Brookston, a stepdaughter; Nora Bogan (husband: Bill) of Lafayette, grandchildren; Courtney Lendman (husband: Justin), Caleb Stead (wife: Andrea), Briana McKnight, Josh Roudebush (wife: Ashley), Shawn Kennedy (husband: Bill), Brandy Guida (husband: Lenny), Bill Bogan (wife: Lindsay), and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four sisters; Genevieve Johnson, Jewell and Gemma Clawson, Elma Russell, three brothers; James, Linden, and Russell Clawson and stepson; Joe Stead. Friends may call from from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM on Saturday October 27th, 2012 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Interment to follow at Spring Vale Cemetery.