Lucille B. Stewart

Mildred Lucille (Barnum) Stewart passed away in Wapato, Washington on September 12, 2015. She was born on December 21, 1921 to Stanley H. Barnum and Mildred Maxine (Clark) Barnum in Yakima, Washington. Her younger sister, Ruth Maxine Barnum, passed away at the age of four. Lucille was raised in Yakima and attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Franklin Jr. High and Yakima High School (now Davis High School), graduating with the class of 1940. During high school, Lucille was involved in music, playing violin for the orchestra and cymbals for the marching band. Lucille was also fond of shop class.

After graduating from high school, Lucille joined the war effort and became a member of the USO. She met her husband, Cleo Dale Stewart, while he was on active duty and she was working at a dry-cleaning shop. He came in to have his uniform pressed—and got a little more than he bargained for. They were married on November 5, 1947.

Cleo and Lucille were blessed with two daughters, Kathy Ruth (Stewart) Howell and Barbara Dale (Stewart) Childers. They had two wonderful sons-in-law, Joseph Howell and Mark Childers. Lucille was also the proud grandmother of five grandchildren: Natalie, Margaret, Kathryn, Stewart, and Garrett.

Throughout her life, Lucille was involved in many organizations in addition to her job as a sign language paraprofessional in the Yakima School District. She never forgot how to sign the Lord’s Prayer, and was eager to teach anyone who asked. Lucille was an avid bowler in the Yakima Women’s Bowling Association, a life member of the Order of Eastern Star Nile Chapter 181, a past president and a life member of the Ladies of Chelminar, and a life member of Aux VFW 379. She took great pride in preparing flag presentations for the Yakima schools as a part of her duties with the VFW. In addition, Lucille was secretary of the Shelome club of the Daughters of the Nile, and a treasurer of the Retired Public Employees. She valued her relationships with her many long-time friends in all these organizations, as well as with members of the Yakama Nation. Her birthday fell on the Longest Night celebration of the Yakama tribe.

Lucille became a resident of Emerald Care in September of 2012. She will be missed by her friends and loved ones.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:30 pm, Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Keith & Keith Funeral Home.