Connie Lou Stewart

Connie Lou Blakesley was born in Ottawa, Kansas where she lived out most of her childhood years. She had two siblings, Gary and Dianne Blakesley. Being 15 years older than her sister, she had the honor of having played a significant role in her upbringing. The two sisters remained very close friends throughout Connie’s life!

Connie attended Ottawa High School where she met the love of her life in her freshman year. In 1953, Richard Stewart and Connie Blakesley were joined together in marriage. They enjoyed 59 wonderful years together and had three children. In 1956, Richard was diagnosed with a very rare disease. So, starting then and throughout their marriage Connie was always there for her husband as his constant and loving companion and caregiver. Connie was an extra-ordinary woman! She had 3 young children to care for plus caring for her husband but yet she was always able to make everybody happy and fulfilled. She was an avid “listener” whenever anybody had a problem. The happiness and fulfillment that she gave to other people continued throughout her lifetime.

Before marrying, Connie worked as a soda fountain clerk then went on to work at Montgomery Wards. Once married, she became a homemaker. During a period of time during her marriage, she worked at a photography studio and then with Kansas Farm Bureau. In her later years in Bakersfield, she worked for Hallmark Stores.

After a hard fight with a brain tumor, Connie went to be with our Lord on Sept. 14, 2023.

Our family would like to thank Bristol Hospice, Dale, Olivia and Sherrill at Arcadia Gardens and numerous other family and friends for their help and support.

Connie is preceded in death by her husband Richard Stewart, parents Floyd and Wyona Blakesley, brother Gary Blakesley and daughter-in-law Susan Stewart.

She is survived by her son Doug Stewart, daughter Kathy Tumblin and husband Mark, daughter Lori Norwood and husband Jeff, grandchildren Maigan, Jason, Breanna, Jessica, Andrea and Amanda, numerous nieces and nephews, 5 great grandchildren, and her sister Dianne Ott and husband David.

Services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary in the chapel on October 7th at 1:00 to 2:00 with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your charity of choice.