Marion Frances Stewart

Long time Tucson resident Marion Frances Shurtz Stewart was born October 30, 1929 in Newcomerstown, Ohio and passed into the presence of her Lord on August 1, 2020 surrounded by the love of her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mabel Shurtz, sisters Carol and Jeanette, brother Mellie, husband Jack Stewart and daughter Elaine York (Tom). She is survived by Son Michael Stewart and wife Pam; Grandchildren: Robert Stewart, Stephen Stewart (wife Sarah), Cameron York (wife Britny), David Stewart (wife Lindsay) and Christian York; Great-grandchildren: Caleb, Makayla, Chandler, Dane, Ivy, Kira and soon to be born Emma.

Frances, as she was called that from early in her childhood, was well loved by her family and friends. She was known for her generosity and her ability to avoid saying anything bad about a person. Her love of animals was a well-known attribute also.

Frances was raised in Newcomerstown, Ohio and moved with the family to Tucson, Arizona during her high school days where she graduated from Amphi High School. She attended business school and the U of A and then went on to work as a secretary for a law office and then as a bookkeeper for Columbia Building Materials.

She met Jack Stewart who was in the Air Force and married him on August 19, 1951. They had two children, “Michael” and “Elaine” who were both born while at overseas duty stations. After Jack’s discharge from the military, they settled in Tucson.

While in school she learned to play the drums since she was not allowed to play any brass or wind instruments due to having had multiple surgeries as a young child for polyps on her vocal cords. It always distressed her that her voice was raspy, and she longed to be able to sing but was told she was not to even try due to the surgeries. She loved music and especially music with a good beat. Her support of her children and grandchildren in their musical endeavors was unwavering. She rarely missed the opportunity to be at a concert or recital.

A memorial service is planned at Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (500 W. Calle Concordia) for Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 11:30 am.