Frances A. Stewart, 93, of Morrisonville passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Hickory Estates Memory Care of Pana.

 

She was born August 26, 1931, in Parish, IL, the daughter of Delmar and Opal (Moore) Smothers.  She married Robert “Hatch” Stewart on March 25, 1951, in Hillsboro, IL and they were married just short of 70 years when he preceded her in death on November 30, 2020.

 

Surviving are her children, Pam Stewart of Chatham, Randy (Lora) Stewart of Taylorville, and Rob Stewart of Jacksonville, FL; a granddaughter, Stacey Laatsch; two great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Mina Laatsch; and a great-great-grandson, Toby Laatsch.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; her sisters, Virginia and Wilma Jean; her brother, Millard “Bud”; and a granddaughter, Lisa Anderson.

 

Frances lived an active and vibrant life. In her younger years, she began working at The Morrisonville Times, first folding newspapers while still in high school, and later advancing to operating the typesetting machines. She remained with her hometown newspaper for over 30 years before moving on to work for the State of Illinois Department of Revenue for 15 years before her retirement. Frances was also an accomplished bowler, an avid bingo player, an enthusiastic dancer, and loved early morning walks to stay fit. She enjoyed trips with her family, especially vacations to Las Vegas, where she loved to gamble and play the slot machines. In quieter moments, she could often be found working word search puzzles, playing solitaire, and cheering for her beloved Duke and Illinois basketball teams.

 

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. at Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville.  A funeral service will follow the visitation at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Morrisonville Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to: American Legion Post #721, 607 Ricks Street, Morrisonville, IL 62546.