Mary J Stuart

Mary June Stuart, 82, of Jamestown, North Dakota, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 9, 2024.

Mary was born June 1, 1942, in Camp Crooke, SD, to Walter Elroy Stuart and Mary Alta (Fosberry). Growing up on a rural Camp Crooke ranch, Mary attended Plainview Country School in her early years, riding two miles to school on horseback. Most of her school years, however, were in Carter County at Ekalaka, Montana, often staying there during the school-week with family. During her teen years she professed faith in Christ and committed her life to Him; this forever changed the direction of her future. Tragically, Mary’s mother passed away one week before she graduated from high school. Undaunted, Mary used funds from office work at a local lumber company, and from the sale of her prize 4H cow, to help her get to, and started, at Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, New York. She was intent on a future in missionary service to her Lord.

On October 8, 1960, she was introduced to her future husband, Paul Stuart of Hornell, New York, who was studying at Bible Baptist Seminary. Three weeks after they met, Paul was badly injured in a bicycle accident head-on with a car on campus. Mary visited Paul every day for his three-week stay at the hospital. They were married at First Baptist Church on July 14, 1962, in Ekalaka, Montana, and both graduated in 1964 from the Seminary. 

Mary and Paul served the Lord together at several churches, notably at Ekalaka, Montana, then Bismarck, and finally at Jamestown, North Dakota. Working together with her husband, Pastor Paul Stuart, Mary was involved with every aspect of the ministry, including playing piano and/or organ (singing along at the same time), teaching Sunday School, and planning and working with Daily Vacation Bible School, Bible Clubs, women’s Bible studies, Christmas programs, and instructive church bulletins. She also helped with work and teaching at Bible camps in Kentucky, New York, South Dakota, Wyoming and Washington.

Mary was a remarkable creative talent as a mother, with special skills in making clothing for her children, and cooking and baking. And, we must add, quite the tease!

Guest visitation will be held from 9-10:30am at Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown,, on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The funeral service will be at 10:30am, also at Haut Funeral Home, immediately following the visitation. 

Mary is survived by husband, Pastor L. Paul Stuart of Faith Baptist Church, Jamestown,

North Dakota; daughter Jesse Schwartz (Michael) of Jamestown, North Dakota; sons Joel Stuart (Vicki) of Reliance, South Dakota; and Nathan Stuart (Emily) and granddaughters Ivy and Ava of Tigard, Oregon.

Mary was preceded in death by a child, stillborn; sisters Nellie Stuart, Regina Bruha and Elsie “Sis” Turbiville; brothers Harold “Sonny” Stuart, William “Bill” Stuart and Edward “Bub” Stuart.

 In lieu of sending flowers, or as a donation, please consider contributing to the following GoFundMe to help with expenses: CLICK HERE