Lois Stewart
Lois Lorraine (Buchanan) Stewart, beloved mother and grandmother, age 84, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away peacefully with her family present, in the late afternoon of May 22, 2025.
Lois was born on June 20, 1940, to Wiley Jennings and Madge Irene (Havens) Buchanan in Decatur County, Iowa. After Lois graduated from Leon High School in Leon, Iowa in 1958, she went on to study at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa.
Lois married John Stephen “Stevie” Stewart in October of 1960. Lois and Stevie had two children, John and Michael. In 1972, Lois and her sons moved to Liberty, Missouri to finish her Graceland degree. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social services, Lois started working as a case worker at Missouri Family Support Services in 1974, until her retirement in the early 2000’s.
Lois will be remembered for her time spent caring for animals, including dogs, cats, and a squirrel, named Little Bit. It was rare to see her without a furry friend by her side. Her love for horses was especially strong. She spent countless hours with the family horses, grooming them and taking care of them. It was clear that those moments brought her much joy.
In addition to her love for animals, Lois was a proud grandmother. She had four grandchildren and they meant the world to her. Whenever they came to visit her face would light up with happiness. She loved spending time and sharing stories. Lois made sure to create special memories with each of her grandchildren.
Her passion for animals and her love for her family were what made Lois unique. She had a big heart and always found ways to show her love whether it was through caring for her pets or spending time with her grandkids. She was a member of Eastern Star at the time of her passing and had been for over 60 years.
Lois was preceded in death by her father, Wiley J. Buchanan; her mother, Madge I. Buchanan; and her brother, James Buchanan. Lois is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, John (Tammy) Stewart and Michael (Mary) Stewart, all of Liberty, Missouri. Lois is survived by four grandchildren, Sydney (Alex) Bjoraker, Johnna (Jonathan) Stewart, Michael “Mickey” Stewart, and Kathryn “Katey” Stewart (Jared Moege); bonus granddaughter, Amber Scholman; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at Slade – O’Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11 a.m. with burial following in the Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, Iowa. The family requests donations be made to an animal rescue organization, a cause that Lois felt strongly about.