Retha Jane (Rice) Stewart
Retha Jane (Rice) Stewart
Retha Jane (Rice) Stewart, daughter of Isaac Newton and Julia LaVada (Robinson) Rice, was born on May 13, 1922, in Marshfield, Missouri and departed this life on August 15, 2020 at 7:40 p.m., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 98.
She married the love of her life Charles Oliver Stewart on September 11, 1948 and they were blessed with one child. She and Charles made their home in Marshfield.
Retha was faithful to God and attended Worldwide Church of God over thirty years in Springfield with Charles and later, was a member of Grace Communion International in Ozark until her death. She enjoyed bible study and attending church services at Heritage Assisted Living and Baptist Village during later years while living in Oklahoma City.
She retired in 2001 after working sixty years as a beautician in Marshfield, Missouri. She began working after graduating eighth grade to help support her family after her father’s death. In 1941, she worked as a hairdresser in her cousin Norma’s Beauty Shop, later owned her own business and, worked for other shop owners throughout her career. With her busy schedule, she always found time to attend church activities, garden, bake pies, make quilts and crochet. After retirement, she enjoyed riding the OAT’s bus to shop in Springfield and attend country music shows. In 2012 at the age 90, she moved to Oklahoma City to be close to her daughter.
Retha was preceded in death by husband Charles Stewart, her sisters Nola Oberbeck and husband Floyd, Letha Caffey and husband Billy Joe, half-sister, Edith Casteel and brother, Claude Rice. She is survived by her daughter Judy (Stewart) Gordon and husband, Dan of Oklahoma City; two grandsons, Zack Gordon and Nori Juarez of Fort Worth, Texas, Zeke Gordon and wife Paula of Oklahoma City; four great grandchildren, Savannah, Wesley, Ava and Maverick Gordon; brother and sister-in-laws; Carl and Erma Stewart, Edith Stewart, Ellis and Pat Stewart, Bonnie Stewart, a number of nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
She was a loving wife, wonderful mother and grandmother, cherished sister and loyal friend. Her friends and neighbors were like family and, she enjoyed visiting and helping them. We remember her example of working hard with strength and dedication to accomplish dreams and, will cherish our memories for the rest of our lives.
Friends may come by the funeral home after noon on Wednesday, August 19. Private services will be on Thursday. A celebration of Retha’s life will be held at a later date due to the current pandemic.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude and left in care of Fraker Funeral Home, 1131 State Hwy A, Marshfield, MO 65706.