Winnifred Stewart

Whether she was gardening, doing a crossword puzzle, or even deer-hunting, Winnie Stewart was always neat as a pin, making sure she looked just so. This attention to detail and pride in her work extended to many aspects of Winnie’s life – from lemon meringue pies to flower arrangements, Winnie’s projects were always admired. What made her the proudest, however, were not the things she left behind, but the people. Family was always the first priority for Winnie, and she was lucky enough to be surrounded by those she loved throughout her whole life.

Carl and Inez (Sowle) Schulze welcomed their fifth and final child into the world on January 11, 1926. A beautiful baby girl, she was christened Winnifred, although she soon came to be known as Winnie. Winnie was the only daughter, and her four older brothers always took good care of their little sister – some would even say they spoiled her! The Schulze family lived on a small farm just south of Maple Rapids, Michigan, where they raised chickens and horses. As a child, Winnie often helped out on the farm. Feeding the chickens and gathering the eggs were her responsibilities – this was sometimes easier said than done, and young Winnie was always scared to go under the chicken coop to get the eggs. Winnie appreciated the equine half of the farm much more than the chickens, and went riding every spare moment she got.

As the years went by, Winnie grew into a lovely and vivacious young woman. She made friends easily, and liked nothing more than going out dancing. On the weekends, Winnie could often be spotted catching a movie with friends at Gleason’s Theatre in Maple Rapids. While attending high school, Winnie caught the eye of a young man named Wilbur Stewart. The two became friends and then started dating. After a while, however, Winnie sent her first sweetheart a “Dear John” letter, saying that she really liked someone else, a man named Jack Elliott.

Winnie and Jack were married on January 25, 1945. Jack was in the Navy, and his job required frequent travel. This constant moving around took its toll on their relationship, and Winnie and Jack filed for divorce a few years later. During the years they were together, however, they were blessed by the births of two children, Gordon and Nancy.

After Winnie returned home to Michigan, her old boyfriend, Wilbur, heard about the divorce. Wilbur had missed Winnie, and he didn’t wait long before asking her out again. Winnie and Wilbur soon fell in love, and were married on July 2, 1949. Family was a priority to both Winnie and Wilbur, and they made a very happy home together. Soon a daughter, Nanette, came along and completed their family. Winnie was a great mother to all her children, and an excellent cook and baker. She was especially renowned for her lemon-meringue pies and her chocolate chip cookies. In addition to these family ties, Winnie also had a lifelong relationship with the Lord. She belonged to the Maple Rapids United Methodist Church, and was very involved in church activities. Winnie was also active in the Order of the Eastern Star, a non-secular religious organization.

Winnie and Wilbur’s marriage was enriched by many shared interests and hobbies. They loved working in the yard together, and their gardens were always kept in tiptop shape. Winnie often brought flowers into the house, creating beautiful flower arrangements. Every year, when November rolled around, they went deer-hunting together. No matter where they were, or what they were doing, Winnie and Wilbur went through life side-by-side.

Sadly, in recent years Wilbur’s health began to fail, and he passed away on January 9, 2002. Although Winnie was deeply grieved by this loss, she found comfort in spending time with children and grandchildren. She loved family visits, and never forgot anyone’s birthday. Winnie was also a voracious reader, often going through several novels a week.

Stubborn but kind-hearted, friendly and outgoing, Winnie Stewart was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Winnifred E. “Winnie” Stewart died on March 18, 2012, at the age of eighty-six. Winnie’s family includes her son, C. Gordon (Judy) Elliott of Lansing; her daughters, Nancy Kindel of Maple Rapids and Nanette Stewart of Rapid City, Michigan; seven grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Peggy Stewart and Marge Schulze; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands; four brothers; son in law, Dennis G. Kindel, and one grandchild, Tabatha Kindel.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, March 22, 2012, at Maple Rapids United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Burial will follow at Payne Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at the church. Memorial donations may be made to the Maple Rapids United Methodist Church. The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Homes. Please visit Winnie’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/79040 to learn more about her life, view her Life Story film, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.