On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the bright light of JoAnne Stewart passed from this world into eternal life to shine amongst the heavens. She will be missed by all who knew her but her memory will live on in our hearts. JoAnne was born December 15, 1934, in Berkeley, California. She grew up in Piedmont, California and cultivated her love of the outdoors by skiing, horseback riding, and swimming. At a young age, she was recognized for her incredible artistic talent by Mills College, and she went on to produce some of the most memorable designs for her Piedmont High School theater productions and dances. After high school, she attended the University of Colorado, Boulder and the University of California, Los Angeles for her BA in Fashion Design.  Ever restless to see the world, after graduation JoAnne joined the Seventh Army Special Services headquartered in Germany so that she could travel the globe and continue to hone her artistic ability by coordinating spectacular entertainment productions for soldiers away from home.
It was during one of the Christmas shows that she met the love of her life, Ellis "Wes" Stewart and the two were married within the year. They were each other's lifelong companions and friends. They were blessed with two children, Robert and Kathryn.

Dedicated to her family and the Church, JoAnne taught ESL, participated in gardening and birdwatching clubs, worked for United Way, and volunteered for her church thrift shop at Blessed Sacrament. She was known by friends and colleagues for her sense of humor, infectious laugh, and enormous heart.

JoAnne is survived by her son, Robert Leland Stewart of Edmond; daughter, Kathryn Marie (Stewart) Marshall, son-in-law, Charles Marshall, and grandson, Zane Marshall all of Novato, California; brother, Tom Leland of Grass Valley, California; sister-in-law, Barbara Juns of Redlands, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis "Wes" Stewart; father, Emil B. Leland; mother, Teresa MacDonald; sisters, Eleanor and Susan Leland; and sister-in-law, Barbara Leland.

Graveside service will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin with Rev. Ray Ackerman, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church officiating.

Burial will be under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Comfort Keepers, especially Shea, Brenda, and Kiki, Choice Hospice, Comanche County Memorial, Chaplain Paul, Father Ray, Holy Family Catholic Church, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Burgess Grill, and McMahon-Tomlinson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.