Loma Arlene Stuewe

Loma Arlene Stuewe went to her eternal home on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the age of 99.  She would have celebrated her 100th birthday in less than two months.  Loma passed peacefully at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas due to complications from a fall.

 
Loma was born June 18, 1924, on the family farm north of McFarland, Kansas.  She was one of six daughters born to Henry and Emma (Weith) Mathies.  Loma received the rite of Holy Baptism on July 16, 1924, at Trinity Lutheran Church, McFarland.  She later confirmed her faith in her Lord and Savior by rite of confirmation on June 5, 1938, at Trinity Lutheran.  Loma’s faith guided her during her entire lifetime and her love for the Lord could be seen in her role as a wife, mother, and friend.  Loma met her future husband at a Walther League meeting at church where they both attended youth services.

   Loma Arlene Mathies married Milton John Stuewe on January 21, 1945, at St. John Lutheran Church, Alma, Kansas.  Following a honeymoon to the Kansas City Livestock Auction, Milton and Loma returned to make their home on the family farm south of Alma. To this union were born five sons.    The couple worked side-by-side raising their sons and livestock.  During a typical summer Loma raised several hundred chicks.  A routine summer day included butchering 12 to 15 fryers, three or four of which ended up on the table each day for lunch.  In 1995 the couple retired and Loma’s dream to move to “town” was achieved when they moved to their new home in the city of Alma. Milton and Loma enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Milton died in September 2009.   Loma moved to the Alma Manor five years ago and lived there until its closure a year ago.  She spent her last year residing at Rolling Hills, Topeka.

     
Loma was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church where she remained active until her health declined.   Loma was a member of Friendship Circle and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She was famous for her coconut cream pies and glazed donuts which were always requested for the many meals served at the church, in the community and especially at family gatherings.

 
Loma was an artisan known for her quilting skills. She lovingly completed quilts for her children and grandchildren. For many years she worked countless hours making quilts that were sent to people in need abroad, to Lutheran seminary students, students at Lutheran colleges, confirmands, and the local shelter.  Loma enjoyed being a participant of the “living quilt display” at the Wabaunsee County Historical Museum.

Loma could be seen actively working with her church sisters serving decades of meals for the annual Alma Co-Op Association Supper, Cattleman’s Association Dinner, Soil Conservation Dinner, and AAL annual meetings.  She helped serve countless funeral dinners for church members.

  
Loma is survived by her five sons: Milton Jr. and Candy, Alma, Ray, and Shiela, Wichita, Kansas, Gerald and Darcy, Alma, Ervan and Pamela, Alma, and Mark and Sharon, Maple Hill, Kansas.   Milton and Loma have 15 grandchildren: Shaun Stuewe, Sarajane Stuewe, Darcy (Russell) Torrey, Melissa (Norman) Smith, David (Kim) Stuewe, Ryan (Alyssa) Stuewe, Heather (Todd) Orton, Brandon (Jackie) Stuewe, Brooke (Kohath) Ben-Israel, Morgan (Seth) Brees, Kristie Stuewe, Justin (Alicia) Stuewe, Travis (Katelynn) Stuewe, Richy (Carolyn) Richardson, and Jill (Jake) Graham.  They were further blessed with 34 great-grandchildren: Lacie (Jeremy), Ashley, Chelsea (Clinton), Seth, Ethan, Eve, Sage, Colton, Austin (Brittany), Fletcher, Cameron, Karlee, Reagan, Ashton, Meghan, Jacob, Lucas, Hunter, Hanna, Sigil, Talen, Cyler, Amelia, Abram, Christian, Nolan, Soria, Hazel, Kaley (Matt), Levi (Chelsea), Jameson (Nicole), Jacob (Morgan), Kaleb and Luke.  Expanding the family further are14 great great-grandchildren.   Loma is also survived by her sisters Inez Theel, Laverne Falk, and sister-in-law Charmaine Stuewe. 
  She was preceded in death by her husband Milton, daughter-in-law Laura Stuewe, great great-granddaughter Ava Cheely, and sisters Esther Stuewe, Lillie Neff, and Ella Theel.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma, with burial following at St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Reverend Robert Grimm will officiate. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Alma, and may be sent in the care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com