Sandra "Sandy" M. Stewart

Sandra "Sandy" M. Stewart of Cuba, Missouri, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the age of 71. Born on April 18, 1953, in Rolla, Missouri, to Oran and Eva M. (Breuer) Stewart, Sandy lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service to her community. 

A proud graduate of Cuba High School’s Class of 1971, where she was Salutatorian. Sandy pursued her passion for education at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she earned a bachelor's degree in 1973. Her teaching career, spanning over four decades, touched the lives of countless students in Bourbon, Bland, Belle, and Cuba. Known affectionately as "Ms. Stew," she was a beloved teacher of mathematics, student council advisor, and even supervised in-school suspension. Her calm demeanor, unwavering patience, and deep care for her students earned her a permanent place in the hearts of many. Sandy's presence was also felt outside the classroom as she cheered on her Wildcat students at sporting events throughout the years. When not in the classroom, Sandy could often be found in her kitchen, where she was known for her extraordinary baking talents, particularly her beautiful wedding cakes. In addition to her passion for baking, Sandy was a dedicated 4-H leader for the Prairie Club and was honored with induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame for her commitment to youth development. 

A devoted member of Amazing Grace Community Church, Sandy's faith was an important part of her life. Above all else, her greatest joy came from her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. 

Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, Oran and Eva M. (Breuer) Stewart; two brothers, Don and Dick Stewart; three sisters-in-law, Jill, Judy, and Nellie Stewart; and one brother-in-law, Bruce Brown. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved daughter Amber Stewart and her significant other Matthew Freeman; her five adored grandchildren, Alexis and her husband Christopher Decker, Haley Stewart, Parker Stewart, Jett Freeman, and Mark Freeman; her great granddaughter Denver Mae Decker; her dear sister, Sue Brown of Cuba; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, her extended school community, and a host of friends. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home. 

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mizell Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Gary Mace. Interment will follow at Bowen Cemetery in Bland, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Prairie 4-H in Sandy’s honor. 

The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving the family of Sandy Stewart.