Nedra L. Stewart

Nedra Lucille Thrush Stewart, age 89 of Raritan, Illinois died at 8:12 p.m. Tuesday August 10, 2010 in the Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab Center in Stronghurst. She was born June 30, 1921 in Raritan, the only child of Lyle and Reva Wilson Thrush. On September 15, 1940, she married Wayne Stewart in Raritan. He preceded her in death on July 21, 2002.

Nedra was valedictorian of the Media High School class of 1939. She worked for Thompsons Insurance in Raritan and later was associated with the United States Postal Service for 32 years, serving as Postmaster of Raritan for 5 years. In 1933, she joined the Raritan Baptist Church, where she held various offices throughout her life. She was also a member of the Co-Missus Circle of the church. Nedra had been active in community affairs, and was a former member of the Raritan Firemens Auxiliary and the Henderson County Homemakers Extension. She was fond of poetry, history, her home, church, and the Raritan community.

Survivors include one son - Philip (Jean Maloney-Stewart) Stewart of Reading, Massachusetts, one grandson- Matthew Stewart, and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service for Nedra will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday in the Raritan Baptist Church with Pastor Dan Ashton officiating. Burial will be in the Raritan Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Raritan Baptist Church. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com