Kathleen Joyce Stuart

Kathleen Joyce Stuart, beloved daughter of Leonard Jr. and Julia (Felton) Brooks, was born November 26th, 1935, in New Virginia, IA. She passed away Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025, surrounded by her family at Westview Care Center of Indianola, IA at the age of 89.
Kathleen grew up in New Virginia, IA and graduated from New Virginia High School in 1954. On July 28th, 1958, she married the love of her life, Lonnie Lee Stuart at the Methodist Church in New Virginia, IA. They were married for 30 years. Four children, Loretta, Julia, Sharon and Tammy, blessed this union. She was a homemaker and care giver to a host of children and grandchildren for over 50 years.
Family meant everything to Kathleen and cherished every family event and time spent with her children and grandchildren. She is lovingly known by most as Nana. There were countless card games, board games, singing and attending grandkids sporting events. Nana was their biggest fan! Even though she had all girls, she loved attending wrestling meets most of all. Beep! Beep!
Other activities Kathleen enjoyed were camping, family gatherings, word puzzles, reading, card games & BINGO! She enjoyed the friendships she made when joining the Singles group after Dad's passing. They enjoyed meeting monthly to play cards, going out to eat and playing dominos. She was a member of the New Virginia Garden Club, New Virginia Night Circle, Melody Makers, St. Charles Parish, and St. Charles Day Circle.
Kathleen is survived by her Daughters Loretta Paullin of Truro, IA; Sharon Whitson (Lori Stitz) of Harlan, IA; and Tammy Downs (Dean) od St. Charles, IA. Grandkids Maggie Arnold (Clay) Shannon City, IA; Chris Whitson (Laura) Plainfield, IL; Emily Bass (Tyler) Winterset, IA; Tyler Whitson Ellston, IA; Natalie Thomsen Peru, IA; Lonnie Harper Peru, IA and Delaney Harper Arispe, IA along with 12 great grandkids.
Preceding her in death were her Parents Leonard Jr. & Julia Brooks; Husband Lonnie Stuart, Daughter Julia Earnst (Ken); Son-in-law Bob Paullin; Grandson Brad Paullin; Granddaughter Sarah Harper, and Brother Merle Brooks.
Kathleen will be remembered for her kindness, big smile and love of life. She touched a lot of hearts and will be greatly missed. We love and miss you, Nana!
A Celebration of her life will be at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Friday October 31, 2025 at 2:00 pm.
Her family will greet friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Friday, prior to the services at Kale Funeral Home.
A live stream of the service will be available at www.kalefuneralhome.com on Kathleen's tribute wall beginning at 2:00 pm, Friday.
Interment will be in the New Virginia Cemetery
Memorial contributions may be directed to The Interstate 35 Booster Club
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com