Charlene F. Stewart, 94, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan. She was born on November 30, 1930, in rural Flush, Kansas.
Charlene was the daughter of John H. and Loretta F. (Dekat) Straub. She attended grade school at Greenwood School District #25 and Flush High School, graduating in 1948. She then attended Mount St. Scholastica College (now known as Benedictine College) in Atchison, Kansas.
Charlene married Robert D. Rickstrew on November 22, 1950, at St. Joseph Catholic Church at Flush. They were married for 25 years. She later met William H. Stewart Sr. at a dance, and they were married on May 9, 1980, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego, and were married for 45 years.
During high school, she stayed with and cared for others in their homes. After high school she worked at Union National Bank in Manhattan. In addition to raising her family and taking care of her home, she had various jobs; including a nurse’s aide, house keeper, a cook for the Wamego Elementary School, was a secretary in the county law office and the Pottawatomie County Courthouse. In 1978, she began work at the Wamego Telephone Company as a Technician Assistant until her retirement in 1995.
Charlene was actively involved in her children's lives, nurturing their passions and guiding them through countless activities. Her love for family continued as she embraced the roles of grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, participating wholeheartedly in the lives of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Charlene had many hobbies that brought her joy. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. She had a green thumb, often working in her vegetable and flower gardens. She expressed her creativity through quilting and art drawings, lovingly referred to as “her doodles.” Additionally, she found delight in dancing, playing Bingo, enjoying board games, and watching game shows on television. She was also an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals. Charlene was a member of the Black Jack American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, where she was often found helping with the many Fish Frys, Mountain Oyster Frys, and Dances. But what brought her the most joy was spending time with her family. Charlene’s faith was also very important to her. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Bernard Catholic Church where she was a servant of God through volunteering of her time and talents. Her life was filled with beauty and wonder, joy and love, thanks to God's blessings. Charlene's spirit and zest for life will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Survivors include her husband, William “Bill” Stewart Sr.; five daughters, Judy Jones (Duane) of Wamego, Joyce Reich (Pat) of Auburn, NE, Joanne Burgos of Wamego, Jacquie Steinbacher (Gene) of Wamego and Joleen Yapp (Gene) of Hoyt; three sons, Robert Rickstrew (Barbara) of Wamego, Ron Rickstrew (Shana) of Diller, NE and Raymond Rickstrew (Shelley) of Belvue; a son-in-law, Thomas O. Glynn Jr. of Wamego; 29 grandchildren; 62 great grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren with 5 more on the way; two sisters, LaVonne Warner of Topeka, KS, and Carol Larson (Eric) of Kansas City, KS; four stepchildren, Wayne Stewart, Don Harris (Beth), Mike Stewart (Connie), William Stewart Jr., and many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, John and Loretta; a daughter, Janet Glynn; a granddaughter, Lindsey Rickstrew; two sisters, Anita Steinberger and Mary Ann Straub; two brothers-in-law, Jim Warner and Tom Steinberger; a step-daughter, Penny Jarvis; a step-daughter-in-law, Barbara Stewart; and a step-grandson, David Stewart.
The family will greet friends during a visitation on Sunday evening, August 3, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego. A Rosary will be prayed following at 7:00 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 4, 2025, at 10:30 am at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Fr. Mike Peterson officiating.
Graveside services will follow Monday afternoon, August 4, 2025, at 2:30 pm at St. Joseph Cemetery, Flush, Kansas.