Eulala E. Steward

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

March 21, 1919 - March 9, 2009

BENKELMAN -- Eulala E. Steward, of Benkelman, Neb., died Monday, March 9, 2009, at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, at the age of 89.

She was born March 21, 1919, at Lamar, Colo., to Clarence Leonard and Grace Belle (Nafus) Oakley Sr. and attended school in Lamar until the family relocated to Benkelman in 1935. She worked in the family vegetable market and also cleaned cabins and did housework for the Littlefield family.

In 1937, she met Lyle Omer Steward. They were united in marriage in November of that year, and this union was blessed with one son, Omer Dale Steward.

The family moved to Stockton, Calif., where they worked the crops and picked fruit in the orchards. Eulala worked for a short time doing filing for a law office. She felt that it was more important to take care of their growing son, so she dedicated herself to the care of her family.

Eulala had limitless talent in the kitchen, able to create meals, sometimes with no notice and few provisions, which were absolutely wonderful. She could bake anything and known for her perfectly flakey pie crusts. She always felt that anything could be seen cleaner with a good meal, fresh-baked dessert, and a cup of tea.

Eulala gave her life to the Lord at an early age and was always a very active church member. She was one of those rare individuals, a true prayer warrior. She believed, and actively taught the kids, that you could take anything to the Lord in prayer.

And she did mean anything. We've prayed over grades, boys, bowling tournaments (!), you name it. No matter the topic, always the petition was brought before the throne with the mention of "Your will be done and we'll give you the glory. In the name of Jesus."

Preceding her in death were her parents, Clarence and Grace Oakley; her loving husband, Lyle Steward; son, Omer; sisters, Marie Oakley and Naomi Oakley Penn; and her brother, Clarence Oakley, Jr.

She is survived by her brothers, Clifford Oakley and wife, Zetta Lou of McCook and Wayne Oakley and wife, Jeanie of Englewood, Colo.

Other survivors include her grandchildren, Jeanne Hansen and husband, Mikey of Parks, Neb., Judy Steward of Rio Roco, Ariz., James Steward of Longmont, Colo., and Jeffrey Steward and wife, Stacy of Perry, Kan.; great-grandchildren, Kristy Steward of Minden, Neb., Alan Hansen of Longmont, Colo., Amanda Hanse and fiance, Kevin Lathrop of Longmont, Colo., Jillian Venckus of Rio Rico, Ariz., Joshua Steward of Moses Lake, Wash., Seth, Kately, McKenna and Krista Steward of Perry, Kan., great-great-grandchildren, Daphne Hansen and Keegan Lathrop of Longmont, Colo.; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were today, March 11, 2009 at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Vernon Whetstone officiating. Interment followed services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.