Twyla Stewart

Born October 11, 1933 in Halfway, MO, Twyla Voris Stewart passed away at Mercy Springfield on November 28, 2017. Twyla grew up in and around Halfway and fondly remembered times when the family lived in California during WWII, she lived with a dear aunt and uncle in Kansas City, and college roommates in Springfield. Twyla married Leland Stewart on August 15, 1954 and to the union was born four children. While raising her children, Twyla completed her Bachelor’s degree to become a Medical Laboratory Technologist and was one of the first female graduates of that degree program at Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield, MO. Twyla worked in the lab at the McCraw, Koon, Kahler Clinic, Cox, and finally Citizens Memorial Hospital where she enjoyed many years of work that fulfilled her, leadership that was admired, and friendship that was and will continue to be cherished. After retirement, Twyla continued her service at CMH, volunteering at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center. Twyla was a talented water skier who taught many of her nieces and nephews, children and grandchildren, and friends to ski. Twyla picked up snow skiing at the age of 50 and continued both activities well into her 70’s. Twyla enjoyed card games and fun with friends and family. Twyla’s goal was to become a Lifemaster in ACBL bridge. She had several years of friendship and fun at the Bridge Center in Springfield, regional tournaments chasing gold points, and at bridge parties in the homes of friends. Twyla was a pillar of Halfway Baptist Church where she was a member from the age of 26 when she was gloriously saved. She was a valued Sunday School teacher, supporter of missions, and believer in the power of prayer. Twyla traveled the United States with Leland until his death. More recently, she traveled the world with her friends and family and traveled the Midwest to bridge tournaments with her friends. In her lifetime, Twyla was a soda jerk, Buffalo gal, backup singer for her friend Helen’s Tina Turner performances, accomplished lab professional, pie crust expert, Babbette, Glam Girl, competitive card player, Beta Sigma Phi member, traveler, volunteer, church goer, lover of her great-granddogs, supporter and encourager, beloved mother, Grams, aunt, friend, and companion. She made the most of life and lived it to the fullest sharing boundless love and setting the example of a faithful Christian woman. She loved life, her friends, her family, and her church. She was loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. She is preceded in death by her husband Leland, mother Lillian McKinney Voris, father John “Mose” Voris, and brother Kenny Voris. Survivors include 4 children: Steve Stewart and wife Teresa of Lebanon, Jane Gladden and husband Wayne of Goodson, Sid Stewart and wife Trudy or Bolivar, and LR Stewart and wife Debi of Springfield. 7 grandchildren and 2 grandsons-in-law, a brother, Derrrell Voris and his wife Judy, and a special companion, Rod Smith of Springfield who brought joy, humor, and love in her later years. A visitation will be held 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, December 1, 2017 at the funeral home. Services for Twyla will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri. Burial will follow services Saturday, at the Reed Cemetery, Half Way, Missouri.

Twyla Stewart

October 11, 1933 - November 28, 2017