Loretta Ruth Stewart

Loretta Ruth Stewart, 81, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2009 in Wamego. Loretta was born October 16, 1928, in Wamego, where she lived most of her life. She was the daughter of Anthony and Zue (McCormick) Tauer. She attended Fairview Dist. 41 Grade School and St. George High School. She was a 49 year member of the Blackjack American Legion Auxiliary Post 260 of St. George. She worked for Manhattan Dry Cleaners, Harmony Gardens, Bit-O- Gold Cheese Factory, and the Westy Community Care Home, before retiring in 1997. She was married to Dean Stewart on January 10, 1950 at Alma, Kansas. They later divorced. Survivors include three daughters: Linda and Everett Piper of Wamego, Diana and Jim Nelson of Olsburg, Gail and Gary Carter of Louisville. One sister, Philomena Peavler of Silver Lake. One brother, Leo and Betty Tauer of Wamego. Six grandchildren: Brenda Tebbutt, Matt Piper, Martin Carter, Joyce Teneyck, Jacob Nelson, Jon Nelson, and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Clara Tauer, and Dorothy Castle, a brother David Tauer, and a great-granddaughter, Brianna Wilson. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego with the Rev. Dr. Tony Mattia officiating. Burial will follow in the Wamego City Cemetery. There is no visitation planned. Friends may pay respects after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Loretta Stewart Memorial Fund, to be designated at a later date. Memorials may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, P.O. Box 48, 66547.