Angels Camp, CA…In the very early morning hours on December 24, 2018 our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother Elizabeth “Betsy” M. Stewart peacefully passed away with her family by her side in Eugene, Oregon. She was born on December 8, 1944 in her family home Star City, Indiana to Lawrence and Letha Siebert. It was there, in that very small town, that “Momma” taught her skills of gardening, cooking, canning, baking, preserving foods, sewing, quilting, crocheting, and needlework that would later become her calling in serving others for the rest of her life. Betsy would go with her “Momma” to the town community donation center to work, and help the needy. This early work as a child, made a huge impression on her young life.

In 1961, at the age of 17 years she set out to California. It was in California where she met the love of her life, and on January 15, 1966 she married Mervin “Bud” L. Stewart Jr. While married, she finished her high school education, learned to drive and worked as a key-punch operator. In 1967, while living in Pleasant Hill they welcomed daughter Julie Ann. In 1970, they welcomed daughter, Jean Marie. In 1974, they decided to buy a small farm in Angels Camp, California to raise their family in the country. It was here that Betsy’s skills came to life. She sewed clothes for the girls, preserved foods, goats milk cheese, and made quilts for everyone in the family. It was not uncommon for the girls to go to sleep with Betsy’s sewing machine humming into the night. In 1978, they welcomed a long-awaited son, Jonathan Charles.

Betsy’s talents were enjoyed by her community from 1979 to 1994 where she worked as a volunteer in her church in Altaville, California. In her church community Center, Betsy worked sorting, washing, mending clothes, and making new quilts for international disaster relief. In 1994, when they moved from Angels Camp to Eugene, Oregon her service to the Lord through the needs of her community would continue for another 20 years.

Mervin “Bud” L. Stewart preceded her in death by three months. Son Jonathan precedes her in death at the age of 16 years. In addition to her two daughters, she is also survived by son August Diefenbach. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Mom, we miss your infectious laugh, your big hugs, your dedication to everyone, and willingness to help anyone will always be missed.

A private family graveside service is planned at the Roseburg National Cemetery.