(From Clark Funeral Home)Norma Jean Stewart, age 93, of Neosho, Missouri, entered into rest at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2022, in the comfort of her home. She was born April 11, 1929, the daughter of the late Fred A. and Lena (Wagner) Patterson.
Norma grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated in 1947 from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas.
On August 7, 1947, she married the first boy she ever dated and the love of her life, William Herbert Stewart, Jr., in Kansas City, Kansas.
In 1972 Bill retired from the Marine Corps, and they settled in Neosho to be near family. He preceded her in death on July 8, 2002.
As a military family, Norma and Bill lived all over the country. One organization she was a part of, no matter where she lived, was the Girl Scouts. Norma was a Girl Scout leader and coordinator for over 20 years. While living in the Philippines, Norma was instrumental in establishing the Philippine Girls Scouts into the Southeast Asian Girls Scout Conference, which she was always proud to accomplish.
Norma loved to sew and freelanced for many years, making wedding and bridesmaid dresses. In the 1950-60s, she worked as a teacher’s aide, library assistant, and secretary in the local school district. Norma later worked for the Newton County Clerk’s office and Credit Bureau in Neosho.
Her mantra was to give back. As a child, Norma initiated can, metal, and oil drives to help the effort during the war. Her philanthropic ways drove her to become an active part of the volunteer community in Neosho for many years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in 1988 and was President for ten years. Norma was also a member of the Flowerbox City Newcomers Club for 20 plus years, Linus Club, Widow to Widow, TOPS, was chairperson for Girls State, and a member of the First Christian Church. She had an organized demeanor and a giving heart which she instilled in her children and family.
Norma was the epitome of a lady, and she could cook, entertain, and command a room like no other. Her family loved her and admired her.
Those surviving her include one daughter, Martha Boal of Neosho; one son, Bob (Sandy) Stewart of Sunfield, Michigan; one daughter-in-law, Jan Stewart of Nixa; two sisters, Ruby Atherton, of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and Patty Messick of Kansas City, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Susan and Sue Patterson of Kansas City; five grandchildren, Chad Crnich, Heidi Jones, Heather Crnich, Melissa (Mark) George, and Shannon (Virgil) Carino; three great-grandchildren, Mary (John) Teter, Anthony Pescrillo and Alex Carino; one great-great-grandchild, Elyana Teter; and a host family and friends.
As a military family, Norma and Bill lived all over the country. One organization she was a part of, no matter where she lived, was the Girl Scouts. Norma was a Girl Scout leader and coordinator for over 20 years. While living in the Philippines, Norma was instrumental in establishing the Philippine Girls Scouts into the Southeast Asian Girls Scout Conference, which she was always proud to accomplish.
Norma loved to sew and freelanced for many years, making wedding and bridesmaid dresses. In the 1950-60s, she worked as a teacher’s aide, library assistant, and secretary in the local school district. Norma later worked for the Newton County Clerk’s office and Credit Bureau in Neosho.
Her mantra was to give back. As a child, Norma initiated can, metal, and oil drives to help the effort during the war. Her philanthropic ways drove her to become an active part of the volunteer community in Neosho for many years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in 1988 and was President for ten years. Norma was also a member of the Flowerbox City Newcomers Club for 20 plus years, Linus Club, Widow to Widow, TOPS, was chairperson for Girls State, and a member of the First Christian Church. She had an organized demeanor and a giving heart which she instilled in her children and family.
Norma was the epitome of a lady, and she could cook, entertain, and command a room like no other. Her family loved her and admired her.
Those surviving her include one daughter, Martha Boal of Neosho; one son, Bob (Sandy) Stewart of Sunfield, Michigan; one daughter-in-law, Jan Stewart of Nixa; two sisters, Ruby Atherton, of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and Patty Messick of Kansas City, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Susan and Sue Patterson of Kansas City; five grandchildren, Chad Crnich, Heidi Jones, Heather Crnich, Melissa (Mark) George, and Shannon (Virgil) Carino; three great-grandchildren, Mary (John) Teter, Anthony Pescrillo and Alex Carino; one great-great-grandchild, Elyana Teter; and a host family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, with visitation following until 5:30 p.m. Norma will be interred with Bill at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Trinity Circle Horses Healing Hearts c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.
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