Mary R. Stewart

Mary R. Stewart, 88, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Brookdale Senior Living in Lexington.Mary was born February 17, 1929, in Los Angeles, California, to Joseph Leslie and Norma (Heine) Ryons. Mary grew up in California, graduating from Westlake High School in 1947, in Westlake, California. She then moved to Nebraska where she attended, and graduated from the University of Nebraska with the class of 1951, where she earned her Teaching degree. This is where she met her husband, William. The couple married June 14, 1951, in San Marino, California. Five children were blessed to this marriage; Leslie, William, Courtney, Joseph, and Lisa.She taught 3rd grade at Bryan Elementary in Lexington for 23 years, and also worked in the Bryan Library, retiring in 1978.Mary was always active in the Lexington community. She was a faithful member of St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church where she served in every capacity of the church. She was a past member of the NebraskaLand Foundation Board, American Legion Auxiliary where she spent 35 years as Memorial Day flag chairperson, but volunteered for 50 years. She also volunteered for the VFW Auxiliary and Friends of the Library. She enjoyed her book club, and the retired Bryan teacher’s luncheon.She was a wonderful lady who loved her family, enjoyed supporting their activites, and attending the grandchildren’s activities as well. She also loved her four-legged family members. She enjoyed traveling, visiting over 52 countries. She was an avid reader, and spending time with the family cabin at Plum Creek Canyon. Mary is survived by her children; William A. (Donna) Stewart of Lexington, Nebraska, Leslie Jane (Thomas) Schlichting of Ashland, Nebraska, Courtney Ann Buchholz and Todd Schulz of Ogallala, Nebraska, and Lisa Kyle (Michael) Small of Hastings, Nebraska; sister, Sally (William) Irving of San Gabriel, California; seven grandchildren; Brian (Amy) Schlichting of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sara (Kyle) Diederich of Kansas City, Missouri, Traci (Tim) Pederson of Norman, Oklahoma, Alex Stewart of Chicago, Illinois, Ben (Kelly) Stewart of Lincoln, Nebraska, Amanda Buchholz of Columbus, Ohio, and Philip (Jessica) Buchholz of Atlanta, Georgia; five great-grandchildren, Emery Diederich, Zachary Schlichting, Clayson Diederich, Henry Stewart, and Tatum Pederson; three nieces, one nephew, extended family members and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; and, infant son, Joseph. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington with Father Tim Anderson and Father Kay Knudson officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Memorials are suggested to Lexington Community Foundation – Library Fund, St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, or Heartland Military Museum. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.