Obituary of Ruth Byler Stewart

Ruth Byler Stewart, 101, of Newton. A Memorial service for Ruth will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 23, 2012, at Pence - Reese Funeral Home in Newton. A visitation with the family will be held at the funeral home, one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers memorials are being designated to the Good Samaritan Fund at Park Centre or First Presbyterian Church, in Ruth's name. Ruth, the daughter of Avery and Ella (Kelly) Byler, was born September 5, 1910, in Chicago, IL. She was a high school graduate, and received her B.A. degree from Beloit College. On June 15, 1935, Ruth was united in marriage with Paul A. Stewart in River Forest, IL. A longtime resident of the Newton area, she had also lived in Chicago; River Forest and Kokoma, IN. After retirement, she and Paul traveled extensively in the United States and many foreign countries. She devoted her life to her family and friends, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, as an Elder, active in P.E.O., P.T.A. and Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed golf, knitting, reading, gardening and playing bridge with friends. Ruth was a kind and warm hearted lady, and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Paul; a daughter-in-law; and a grandson. Those left to honor Ruth's memory include her daughter: Ellen Streeter of Des Moines; sons: Robert Stewart of Arlington, Virginia and Kenneth Stewart of Landrum, South Carolina; her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and her many friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Ruggle and the nurses and staff of the Monarch Wing, for their compassionate care and support.