In Memory of Daisye Marie Stewart

Daisye Marie Stewart, age 93, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the McAlester Regional Hospital, McAlester, Oklahoma.

Daisye was born on May 30, 1926, in Eldorado, OK to John & Hattie Weyrick. She was the oldest of 11 children. Her parents were sharecroppers, living in a dugout house with dirt floors. Times were hard and there was never enough money, so the family moved to Rush Springs, Ok in 1941 in search of a better way of life. Two years later, at the age of 17, her father died from complications from an oil field accident. Her youngest sibling was 3 days old. Daisye assumed much of the care of the family while her mother recovered from complications from childbirth. Her father always told her that she needed to graduate from high school and she did so in 1945. After high school, she attended 1 year of nursing school at Oklahoma College for Women, but due to a ruptured appendix, missed her 2nd year and was not able to return. She eventually continued her nursing career at the Patterson Cheatwood Hospital in Duncan. Because of her experience, Dr. Cheatwood signed a waiver and she was allowed to take the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam in February 1954. She then worked in surgery and OB at the hospital. Her claim to fame was being the delivery nurse for the birth of Ron Howard, better known as Opie Taylor.

While working in Duncan, she met and eventually married Everett Stewart on August 5, 1952. During Everett’s early career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Soil Conservation Service, the family moved to Wynnewood, Ardmore, Talihina and eventually settled in Wilburton in 1965. Daisye was a stay at home mom until 1966, when she began her career at the Latimer County General Hospital. In order to cause the least disruption to family life, she worked the night shift until her retirement in 1996. Her income from LCGH is credited for the debt free college educations of her 3 daughters. After her retirement, Miss Daisye started her second career (10+ years) as a volunteer assistant helping children with their reading and math skills at Panola School.

Daisye was a very active member of Lutie Baptist Church, serving as Sunday School Teacher and church secretary for almost 50 years.

Daisye's house was always full of fur babies that seemed to adopt her rather than her adopting them. Her current canine fur baby, Crickett, came to live with her after Mom’s best friend, Agnes Moore passed away in 2012. Cricket has been her constant companion for the past 8 years, along with numerous cats and kittens. Her house was a magnet for any stray looking for a free meal.

Not only was Daisye an inspiration and mentor for her daughters, grandsons and great-grandsons, she influenced countless others with her dedicated service to anyone in need. Her motto that she lived by and inspired others with was “You can do anything you set your mind to”.

Miss Daisye will be missed.

Daisye is survived by:

Daughters/Sons-In-Law: Linda & Bill Albright, of Red Oak, Oklahoma; Wanda & James Mankin, of Weleetka, Oklahoma; Dianne & Larry Montgomery, of Salt Lake, Utah.

Step-Daughter: Marie Hanson, and husband Todd, of Kirkland, Washington.

Sisters/Brother-In-Law: Jean & Harry Funk, of Rush Springs, Oklahoma; Arnetta Pritchard, of Carnegie, Oklahoma.

Brother/Sister-In-Law: Bill & Pat Wayrick, of Rush Springs, Oklahoma.

Grandchildren: Michael Albright, and wife April, of Grennsboro, North Carolina. Christopher Montgomery, and wife Leslie, of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Step Grandchildren: James Reese and Rachel Reese, both of Everett, Washington.

Great Grandchildren: Brooks Albright, Jackson Albright, both of Greensboro, North Carolina; Lexa Reese, Victoria Reese, both of Washington.

Special Friends: Donna Cantrell, of Wilburton, Oklahoma and Payton Lyons, of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

She is also survived by fur baby, Crickett.

Daisye was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Stewart; parents; 4 sisters; and 4 brothers.

Service at The Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel, Wilburton, Oklahoma, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2020 with Rev. Charles Watkins officiating. Interment to follow at the Lutie Cemetery, of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers: Larry Wisley, Payton Lyons, Donna Cantrell, Michael Albright, Christopher Montgomery, John Cook. Honorary Pallbearers: Nieces & Nephews, Bill Albright, James Mankin, Larry Montgomery, Dennis Deela.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.