Gayle Deane Ellis Stewardson, age 83, of Santa Anna, Texas, passed peacefully on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at 2:51 a.m. at her residence surrounded by family.
Gayle was born February 14, 1938, in Sloan Community on the Ellis Ranch to Raymond Clifford and Birda Lee Kates Ellis. She was raised in San Saba and graduated from San Saba High School in 1955. On November 5, 1955, Gayle married William Burgess Stewardson of Santa Anna where they made their home on the Stewardson Ranch. They celebrated 64 years of marriage before Burgess passed away in 2019.
A servant of the Lord and all His children, Gayle was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church in Santa Anna during her entire married life. She joined the Delta Omicron Sorority in 1955 and received her 66-year membership. Gayle was also a charter member of the Coleman County Cattlewomen, which is recognized nationally. She also served as the caretaker of the Stewardson Cemetery for 50+ years.
Gayle's kitchen was always open any time to provide a meal to family or a sweet treat and drink to those who visited. The grands loved to go to "Gangie's" because she always had something they loved; if not, she would prepare it; they were her little helpers.
It was always known that Gayle would be wherever she was needed, whether on the ranch or just being the one who filled the position to help. Her compassion and love for people were never-ending. Gayle was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, or friend for whatever was needed.
Gayle is survived by a daughter, Kim, and her husband, Ricky McKinnerney of Richland Springs, TX; two sons: Judd Stewardson of Santa Anna, TX, and Ward Stewardson and wife, Karen, of Crosby, TX; two sisters: Rayma Lee Field of Burnet, TX, and Kathy and her husband, Chad Oliver, of San Saba, TX; seven grandchildren: Clay and Daena Stewardson, Audra and John Morgan, Tyler Stewardson, Sloan Stewardson, Hillary Plocheck, Paige Stewardson, and Sydney Stewardson; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law: Frank Allen and John Frank Johnson, and Homer "Buddy" Field.
Funeral services were held on June 30th at the First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Jasper McClellan and Rev. Jim Turley officiating. Burial was in the Stewardson Cemetery in Coleman County, TX.
Pallbearers included: Todd Johnson, Seth Oliver, Joe Ellis, Dale Ellis, John Morgan, Willis Grimes, and Rob Cheaney. Honorary pallbearers were: Bob Ellis, Dick Ellis, Chad Oliver, John Dockery, Billy Don Cupps, Chris Jamison, and James Stewardson.
The Stewardson family would like to give special thanks to Gayle's sweet caregivers: Nina Diaz and Debra Swallows.