Linda Steward

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Linda Boyce Steward, 73, died Sunday, May 1, 2011, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

She was born Nov. 17, 1937, in Cape Girardeau, to the late Charles H. "Charlie" and M. Lucile "Lucy" Green Boyce of Sikeston. She graduated from Sikeston High School in 1955 and from SMU in Dallas in 1959.

After moving to Memphis for her first job as "Romper Room's" Miss Linda, she returned to Sikeston to marry her high school sweetheart, Fred H. Steward Jr., Nov. 9, 1962.

She faithfully served and was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. She was actively involved in Republican politics. She served her community in innumerable ways, including serving on advisory boards for the city of Sikeston, Missouri Delta Medical Center, and Sikeston public schools. She was a willing volunteer wherever help was needed and was a friend to all.

She leaves to remember and to celebrate her life her husband Fred Steward; daughter Rebecca Steward of Sikeston; sons Christopher Steward and Jonathan "J.J." Steward of Sikeston; sisters Barbara Johsens of Santa Cruz, Calif., Charlotte Craig of Gordonville; brother Bill Boyce of Sikeston; six grandchildren, Caroline Steward, Clark Steward, Isabella Ruth Steward, Reese Steward, Anna Purves and William Henry Steward of Sikeston.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Diane Boyce.

She loved life and lived every day to its fullest as her grandchildren's devoted and most-loved "Ninna."

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, with Senior Pastor Geoff Posegate officiating.

Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Steward, Jonathan Steward, Clark Steward, Bill Boyce, Robert Purves, Bill Craig and Aaron Boyce.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sikeston Public Schools Foundation, 1002 Virginia St., Sikeston, MO 63801 or to Missouri Delta Medical Center Foundation, 1008 N. Main St., Sikeston, MO 63801.