Sallie Irene Stewart, 83, passed away on May 21st, 2022. She was born on February 9th, 1939, in Prairie du Chien, WI. The daughter of Herbert and Pearl Church, she attended Rockford public schools. She married the love of her life, Ronald E. Stewart, on October 20th, 1956. They then moved to Tacoma, WA, where Ron was stationed after enlisting in the United States Military. There, they had their first daughter, Linda. After Ron’s tour of duty, Sallie and Ron moved back to Rockford and had three more children: April, Dawn, and Ronnie.
Sallie had an unshakable Christian faith and developed a uniquely profound and personal relationship with God during her time on earth, so unique in fact. It pervaded every word she spoke and was visible in her every action. She was passionate about teaching God's word. And she would help anyone with whom she came into contact joyfully and with enthusiasm, giving all she had, even when she had very little. Sallie was an accomplished cook, and food was one of her many love languages. Sallie did have so many love languages essentially pouring out of her at all times. From hugs to prayers to little pieces of candy stashed in her purse just in case her grandchildren were nearby. She exemplified what it means not only to love but to love with volume: a volume so high, so great, not any fear or even her difficulty to speak in her last few years couldn't drown it out. Her passions were family, flowers, and (of course) Jesus. She was known for her beautiful flower gardens. Everywhere Sallie went, she left a trail of beauty in her wake, left things better than they were before she’d arrived. In this way, Sallie Irene Stewart was an artist without equal.
Survived by daughters Linda (Alberto F) Altamore, April Klitzke, daughter-in-law Tisha Stewart, sister Deborah (Lewis) Bragg, sisters-in-law Vickie (Mark) Bunger, Sonya Stewart, Karen Woodard, Kathryne Mooney, brothers-in-law Donald (Sue) Stewart, Glen Stewart; grandchildren Rachelle( Matthew) Cain, Summer (Jeffrey) Johnson, Joseph Altamore, Joshua (Linnea) Lerch, Jeremiah Lerch, Caleb Lerch, Gabrielle Klitzke, Amy Klitzke, Tiffany (Billy) Henson, Amanda (Brian) Crabtree, Paul (Tammy) Petersen, Hunter Stewart, great-grandchildren Jordan, Robby, Jenna, Jensen, Lanna, Haylee, Kaitlyn, Alyssa, Kaiden, Dagen(Alexis), Bianca, Chloe, Riker, Dominica, Abbie, Mia, Zach, Brooklynn, Vera, Malynn, Aurora, Tara, Jenna Grace, Hannah. nieces and nephews Leonard (Emily) Smith, Mark Smith, Candra Bragg, Aaron Bragg, Lana (Mike) Hyland, Micky Dalen, Rosemary Bagley, Orlando Swartout, Mark Swartout, Ruby Walrath Ray (Lisa) Redieske, Kimberly (Alan) Bednar, Jason (Cindy) Stewart, Becky (Ron) Larson, Don (Robin) Stewart, Kerry (Benny) Falzone, Robin (Brian) Lewis, Brent (Karla) Stewart, Kevin Bunger, Brad (Cindy) Bunger.
Sallie is predeceased by husband Ronald E. Stewart, daughter Dawn I. Stewart, son Ronald W. Stewart, parents Herbert and Pearl Church, sister Nancy Smith, brother Martin Church, mother and father-in-law Virgil and Ruby Stewart, sisters-in-law Rose Swartout, Evelyn Redieske, brothers-in-law John Stewart, Martin Redieske Sr., nieces Penny Luedtke, Debbie Diestalmeier, Diana Cumberland, Diane Redieske, nephews Martin Redieske Jr., and Steve Smith.
A visitation for Sallie will be held Friday, June 3, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 718 Harlem Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.
Sallie will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefunerals.com for the Stewart family.
