Barbara Dian Stewart, 63, of Albany, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Barb was born on September 6, 1961, to Wayne and Hazel (Cook) Owens. She was one of eleven children and grew up in a home filled with love, laughter, and a strong sense of family.
On October 3, 1981, she married the love of her life, Mike Stewart. Together they built a life and were blessed with a son, Josh. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Barb began her career in housekeeping at Colonial Manor in Albany, which later became Golden Living. Through her dedication and hard work, she became a dietician for the nursing home and served the residents with compassion until its closure. She later continued her service to the community by working for the Albany R-III School District and at the Gentry County Courthouse in janitorial and housekeeping roles.
Barb was known for her selflessness, quiet strength, and loving nature. She was the heart of her family and a friend to all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Dickie, Andy, Beanie, Hal, and Carl; sisters Becky Gach and Carolyn Munez; granddaughter Carly Ann Stewart; and her mother-in-law, Marge Stewart.
Barb is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Mike Stewart of the home; son, Josh Stewart of Albany; grandchildren, Millieu and Cason; brothers Ted (Betty) Owens and Steve (Janet) Owens, all of Albany; sister Kathy (John) Overly of Eugene, OR; sisters-in-law Roberta Owens of St. Joseph, Sonya Owens of Albany, and Elaine Owens of Grant City; brothers-in-law Tracy Gach of Burlington, IA, Steve Stewart, and Scott (Jennifer) Stewart, all of Warsaw, IN; father-in-law Duane Stewart of Warsaw, IN; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Barb’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 8, at the Roberson-Polley Chapel in Albany. Inurnment at a later date in the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Blythedale, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday evening at the chapel. Memorial Contributions: Albany R-III Athletic Department in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402.
