Linda Stewart, 77, passed away on January 17, 2019, at Midland Memorial Hospital, with family by her side. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at 11am, at First Presbyterian Church in Midland, Texas, with Reverend Mary Beth Anton.Linda was born on February 23, 1941, to Leola Farmer Shelley and Hubert Leneirre Shelley in Temple, TX. She graduated from Beaumont High School in 1959, and then went on to earn her BBA in Secretarial Science from Lamar University. At Lamar, she met and married Ian Stewart, the love of her life. She taught at French High School in Beaumont for 5 years, before she and Ian started their own family. They were longtime residents of Beaumont and Wildwood, until she and Ian moved to Midland in 2017 to be closer to family.Linda enjoyed gardening, traveling, spending time with friends, and raising their 3 children. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone or any animal in need. She enjoyed many trips to England, as well as traveling to Australia, New Zealand, and visiting grandchildren in Texas and California. Linda was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her kindness, her selflessness, and her love of family.“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)She was preceded in death by her parents, Leola Farmer Shelley and Hubert Leneirre Shelley. She is survived by Ian Stewart, her husband of 56 years; son, Jeff Stewart; son Scott Stewart and his wife Carmen Stewart of Midland Texas; daughter Shelley Mathis and her husband Andy Mathis of San Jose, California; as well as her sister Judy Meloncon and her husband George Meloncon of Hamshire, Texas; nieces Dana Brocato Howald of Beaumont, Texas and Katie Brocato Spencer of Winnie, Texas; 8 grandchildren, Allison, Tyler, Sarah, and Marisa Stewart; Brian, Drew, and Luke Mathis; Liam Stewart; and her little dog Trudy.The family is beyond grateful for the outpouring of love and support from all of our family and friends.A special thanks to the care she received from Hospice Midland, the staff and nurses at Midland Memorial Hospital, as well as the caretakers Brandy and Kathy who provided many hours of smiles and companionship each day over the last year and a half with Linda in her home.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice Midland of 911 West Texas Ave. Midland, Texas 79701 or the charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com,
