Marlene L. Stewart

Marlene L. Stewart, 88, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to her family and community.

Marlene was born on October 23, 1937, in Wichita, Kansas. At 22 months old, she was lovingly adopted by Howard and Faye Birket. Her early life was marked by both love and loss, as her mother, Faye, passed away unexpectedly when Marlene was just 11 years old. Nearly a year later, her father married Ruth Hipp, who became a caring third mother in her life. Marlene grew up in Abbyville, Kansas, where she lived until the age of 17.

On November 21, 1954, Marlene married the love of her life, Leland R. Stewart. Together they made their home in Warrensburg, Missouri, where they built a life centered on family, hard work, and community. They shared many years together and raised three sons: Edward Rice Stewart, Leland Don Stewart, and Scott Birket Stewart.

In 1992, Marlene experienced a deeply meaningful chapter in her life when she located her biological family, who lived just 75 miles from where she had been raised. Although her biological mother had already passed, Marlene was grateful to discover three living aunts and 13 cousins. She cherished the opportunity to form lasting relationships with them through visits and shared memories.

Marlene was a devoted partner on the family's Le-Mar Farm, where she worked alongside her husband in their hog business. She also spent several years working in a sewing factory before pursuing her passion for education. Demonstrating determination and a love of learning, she returned to school and earned both her Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Central Missouri State University.

Marlene went on to serve as a dedicated educator for 28 years, primarily as a Fourth- Grade Teacher for the Knob Noster R-VIII School District. She concluded her teaching career at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Her commitment to service extended far beyond the classroom. Marlene was a Youth Softball Coach, a 4-H leader for 25 years, an Elder and Sunday School Teacher at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and an active member of the Missouri State Teachers Association. She also served on the Johnson County Fair Board and was a member of the WD-40s.

Marlene and Leland shared a special passion for supporting University of Central Missouri Athletics, particularly the Mules and Jennies Basketball programs. They traveled frequently with the teams, cheering them on both at home and away. In later years, Marlene also supported UCM's Jennies Softball and their Women's Golf Team.

Marlene is survived by her five grandchildren, John Stewart (Christina) of Cleveland, Missouri; Stephanie Graham (Jimmy) of Overland Park, Kansas; Kristie Kovalenko (Tim) of Guam; Shelby McDonald (Coty) of Warrensburg, Missouri; and Sydnie Scurlock (Jackson) of Warrensburg, Missouri; ten great grandchildren-Christian Kovalenko, Kennedy Stewart, Gabriella Graham, Jackson Graham, Jacob Kovalenko, Keller Stewart, Noah Kovalenko, Anna Kovalenko, Loretta McDonald, Winnona McDonald, and anticipating arrival of baby girl Scurlock in August. Marlene also leaves behind two daughters-in-law, Karen Stewart of Windsor, Missouri, and Stephanie Stewart of Holden, Missouri, a sister, Marcy (Carl) Mahoney of Salina, Kansas; a brother, Sam (Mary) Birket of McPherson, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Stewart Holcomb of Springfield, Missouri, and Elnora Stewart of Watertown, South Dakota, as well as several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother Faye Birket, her mother and father Ruth and Howard Birket, her brother Charles Keith Birket, her beloved husband, Leland R. Stewart, and her three sons, Edward Rice Stewart, Leland Don Stewart, and Scott Birket Stewart.

Marlene will be remembered for her resilience, her dedication to education, her unwavering support of her family, and her deep commitment to her community. Her life was one of service, compassion, and enduring love, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., at Sweeney- Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home with Reverend Dan Lowery officiating. Interment will be in Liberty Cemetery north of Warrensburg. Pallbearers will be Coty McDonald, Jackson Scurlock, Jimmy Graham, Christian Kovalenko, Tom Payne, Robbie Payne, and David Payne.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m., to 7 p.m., Friday April 10, 2026 at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to UCM Alumni Foundation and in the memo line please put "Leland R. Stewart Memorial Scholarship" or checks may be left in care of the funeral home.