Patricia L. Stewart

Patricia LoyDean Stewart age 71 of Osawatomie, KS died Thursday December 5, 2024 at her home.
Patty was born July 7, 1953 in Noel, MO. She was the eldest child of Ned W. and Dorothy D. (Drake) Upton. Patty graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1970.

After high school, Patty attended Fort Scott Community college and earned her LPN license. She worked in various nursing homes over the years and then went into home health. She enjoyed home health most during her nursing career.

On May 2, 1980, Patty and James Ralph Stewart were united in marriage in Fontana, KS. The two, along with their children and friends, put lots of love and elbow grease into making “the farm” at the top of the hill in rural Osawatomie their home and the family hub.

Patty loved crocheting and sewing. She made hundreds of blankets over the years for her family and friends, but the things most special to her heart were mothers and children. She spent much of her life crafting blankets for and ministering to bereaved mothers. She was known to strike up an hours long conversation with any stranger or friend, and spent many hours in her sewing and doll shop, Ragamuffins, where the following scripture could be found adorning the windows: "Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."~Psalm 127:3. She daydreamed often of creating the “Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast” on the farm, where every soul lost and found would have a place and a purpose. There was not a lost soul--adult, child, or dog--she wouldn’t take in, serving as a real life safe haven and lighthouse for so many. In her home could always be found little notes of inspiration, songs, drawings, and verses, always sprinkled with butterflies, snowmen, and the Peanuts.

She spent most of her time taking care of her soulmate, her Ralphie, worrying about and praying for all her kids, and spoiling her many grandchildren. They will remember fondly the quintessential Walmart and McDonald’s trips at any time of day or night, learning to drive, and staying up way too late eating junk food. Grandma Patty to some and MiMi to others, she had so much pride for all her grandchildren’s accomplishments, big and small. She had a song for any occasion, and she made sure to reach out whenever she’d “heard your song”—her way of saying you were on her mind.

She was preceded in death by her dear mother, Dorothy, and her brother and best friend, Dale Upton. She spoke of them often and looked forward to the day she would reunite with them.

Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Ralph of the home, her father Ned Upton of Isabella, Missouri; children; Jimmy (Shirley) Stewart of Tennessee, Randy (Jeanne) Stewart of Drexel, MO, Terry (Jane) Stewart of Grandview, MO, Robby Stewart of Paola, KS, Tammy Riggs of Greeley, KS, Joe (April) Stewart of New Strawn, KS and Michael (Brooke) Goracke of Wichita, KS; 22 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren with two more on the way.

She will be fiercely missed and faithfully remembered by all those who love her.