Edna Mae Stewart, 92, of Springfield, MO, was called home by the Lord on August 29, 2022. Edna was born January 18, 1930 in Cape Fair, MO to Verl and Wilmuth Talley. She grew up in and around Cape Fair and Crane, Missouri, with her parents and her brother Norman, graduating from Crane High School.

Edna met and fell in love with Gene Stewart of Galena, MO, and they were married May 3, 1949. Edna soon learned the meaning of commitment and unconditional love, as she helped Gene maneuver through the challenges of Polio. Her strength, faith and determination made her a worthy adversary to anyone who said, "you can't do that." Edna and Gene enjoyed 43 years together, and two sons were born to this union, Howard and Randy, who survive her.

Edna was able to stay home while her boys grew up, and they enjoyed numerous trips to Colorado where they fell in love with the mountains. A passion they passed down to the whole family.

Edna went to work in the registration department at Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU) in 1970. She loved working with young people, especially student athletes, and she was a big fan of MSU Basketball. She made lifelong friendships while at MSU, and she had many cherished neighbors while living on Washita. She was a St. Louis Cardinal's fan from an early age, having picked up the bug from her father.

Joy and happiness overtook her life as her sons started their families. She was swept away with love for her first grandbaby, and just as much by the next five that followed. She never said "no" to a chance to watch those babies, and each one of them have happy memories of sleepovers at Grandma's house. Edna and Gene loved their pets, which is another passion, or maybe obsession, that has passed down to the family. You were a lucky pet if you lived with Edna.

Edna was dedicated to her grandparents and her parents as they aged, and she really showed us what it meant to live The Golden Rule. Edna suffered from dementia in her later years, but you could always find a smile or hear her infectious laugh. She enjoyed every visit from family and friends, and the family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers at The Gardens and Haven Hospice, as it is with their help she peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home.

Edna loved the Lord, and she was baptized in Crane Creek in 1942. She was so thrilled when Gene was baptized in later life, as she had the assurance they could spend eternity together. We are overjoyed they are together again. Over the years they regularly attended the South National Church of Christ.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gene, mother-in-law Ardis Stewart, sister-in-law Norma Jones and her husband Charles, brother-in-law Maynard Stewart, and sister-in-law Louise Moore. She is survived by her brother Norman (Kathryn) Talley, Nevada, MO, her sons and their wives, Howard (Christy), and Randy (Linda) of Springfield, MO, her brother-in-law Winfield Moore, Nixa, MO, and her sister-in-law Shirley Stewart, Lakewood, CO. Edna was blessed with six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation at 10:00 am, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 am, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole St., Springfield, MO 65804.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 850 N. 25 ^th Street, Ozark, MO; or The Gardens, 1302 W. Sunset, Springfield, MO 65807; or C.A.R.E Animal Rescue, 3880 W. Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65807, CARERESCUE.ORG/DONATE.