Edna Lou Stewart

Edna Lou Stewart, age 76, passed peacefully on March 10, 2026. Born on February 19, 1950, in California, she carried a quiet adventurous spirit that guided her through life. At 26, she moved to Missouri, first settling in Richwoods and later making her home in Hollister in the Ozarks. There she built a warm family life before moving at age 68 to Springdale, Arkansas, where she spent her final years surrounded by loved ones.

At the heart of Edna Lou’s world was her family. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Michael Wayne Stewart, sharing with him both grand adventures and the simple beauty of everyday life. Together they created a home filled with warmth and unconditional love. As a mother, she gave her whole heart to her three daughters, Regina Marie Atkins, Julie Lynn Filtingberger, and Joyce Ann Sorokes. Her grandchildren—Michael Stewart, Adam Filtingberger, Kala Melton, Brooke Spencer, and Jeremey Stewart—knew her as a grandmother whose love was steady, generous, and without condition. She was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren who brought her great joy.

Edna Lou’s family will always remember her in the kitchen, where her famous olive dip appeared at every holiday gathering. At Christmastime, she delighted in handing out scratch-off lottery tickets, filling the room with laughter and shared anticipation. She loved dining on cashew chicken prepared in the distinctive southwest Missouri style, taking weekly trips to the casino with Michael to play the slot machines, and relaxing at home with classic game shows, ghost stories, and murder mysteries. She also cherished road trips with family members, finding adventure on the open road. Her faith remained a quiet, constant source of strength throughout her life.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Wayne Stewart; her daughters, Regina Marie Atkins, Julie Lynn Filtingberger, and Joyce Ann Sorokes; her grandchildren, Michael Stewart, Adam Filtingberger, Kala Melton, Brooke Spencer, and Jeremey Stewart; numerous great-grandchildren; one surviving sibling; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley White and Jewell White, and her siblings, Leon White, Johnny White, Steve White, Nancy Melani, and Cheryl Riddick.