Bernice Steward

Bernice E. Steward, 88, of Alpha, IL. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family Saturday October 6, 2018. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:00 AM Tuesday October 9, 2018 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Woodhull. Burial is in St. John’s Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-7 PM Monday at the Peterson Wallin Knox Funeral Home in Woodhull where a Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. Memorials may be left to St. John’s Altar and Rosary Society or Arc. Online condolences can be left at www.petersonwallinknox.com.

Bernice was born on August 5th, 1930 to James and Margaret L (Williams) Bogaert. She was united in marriage to Ralph G. Steward on September 23, 1950. He preceded her death on May 16, 1994.

Bernice graduated from Geneseo High School in 1948. She worked for John Deere, the Core of Engineers, Sinclair Petroleum Company, retiring from Maytag as an Administrative Assistant in 1993. Bernice was a very dedicated employee and excelled at her job. She was well loved and respected by her co-workers as well as those she worked for.

Organizations that Bernice was involved in include the Altar and Rosary, Management Club and the Arc of Rock Island. She was an avid bowler on various leagues in both Alpha and Galesburg.

Bernice enjoyed spending time with her family. She brought a lot of joy and wisdom to all who knew her. Bernice was a city girl who married a farm boy and became a good farm wife with many fun stories to tell. She put on and participated in many family gatherings, yearly family hog roasts and a yearly family campout. She was an accomplished crafter. She did many embroidered and crocheted projects. Her many crocheted blankets cover her family with love now and for years to come. She enjoyed her many flower gardens and bird watching, especially the hummingbirds and the cardinals.

Those left to cherish her memories are; daughters Mary (Dave) Cooper, Julia (Doug) Martin, Susan (Todd) Cunningham, son Dale (Linda) Steward, brother Richard (Tommie) Bogaert), sisters Carolyn (Gary) Halsted, Diane Swemline and Tina James, sisters-in-law Mildred Wallace and Judy Steward.

Grandchildren: Amy (Blane) Shields, Sara (Mark) Ball, Karen (Aaron) Willet, Heather Fredell, (fiance-Todd), Daniel Steward, Kimberly (Todd) Nugent, Kelli (Dave) Welsh. Step-grandchildren: Chad Powell, Amy (Brian) Gentry, Lisa (Andy) DeBaillie, Jodie (Kevin) Morenson, Lori (Jason) Bull, Trudy (Travis) White, Kristen Cunningham (Shane), Blake Cunningham (Morgan), Adam Simonson, Rachael Sloan and Stephan Mackey.

Great Grandchildren: Michael, Arianna and Alorelei Shields, Hannah Ball, Logan Gass, Lena WIllett, Jacob Nugent, Luke and Cole Welsh. Step Grandchildren: Robert and Laura DeBaillie, J.P. Jack and Ellie Martinez, Sam Mortenson, Alex and Max Gentry, Austin Powell, Seth Alexis, Madison and Gavin Bull, Kaitlyn, Dalton, Aubrey, Trevor and Isiah White and Owen Cunningham.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, son David A. Steward, son-in-law James D. Fredell, sister Frances Busenbark, brothers-in-law Robert and William Steward, Robert Wallace and sister-in-law Joyce Steward.