Wilna Edra Stewart

Wilna Edra Stewart, a lifelong resident of Shavano Valley near Montrose, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on April 10, 1940, to Forest and Mary (Rogers) Stewart, Wilna lived her entire life in the same family home nestled in the Shavano Valley. She attended Oak Grove School and proudly completed the 8th grade, participating in the school’s graduation ceremony.

As a young girl, Wilna enjoyed raising and caring for rabbits, a testament to her gentle nature and love for animals—a love that continued throughout her life. She never married or had children, but she cherished a special bond with her many pets over the years, including her beloved dogs Peppie, Fuzzy, and Tan, and her cat Snowflake.

A lifelong member of Montrose Christian Church, Wilna's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Baptized on July 11, 1954, she expressed her devotion through the remarkable act of copying the Bible several times by hand, a testament to her dedication and reverence.

Wilna was known for her creativity and generosity. She enjoyed crafting, crocheting, sewing, and baking, and she was especially gifted in making handmade dolls and stuffed animals for her nieces and nephews. Her warm presence and quiet joy were a comforting fixture for generations of children in her family, many of whom remember fondly listening as she read stories to them.

Wilna loved a joke and laughed at everyone's goofs, including her own! Wilna enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles - mostly pictures of cuddly animals.

She was preceded in death by her parents Forest and Mary (Rogers) Stewart, infant twin sisters Margaruite May and Marjorie Fay, her brother Robert Lee Stewart, brothers-in-law William J. “Bill” Moreland and Ken Lawton, and sister-in-law Marlene Stewart.

Wilna is survived by her siblings: Sam (JoMarie) Stewart, Bill (June) Stewart, Bettie Lawton, and Janet Moreland, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews who will miss her warm heart and the love she gave so freely.

The Stewart family extends heartfelt thanks to the PACE program and its dedicated staff, who provided Wilna with 16 years of compassionate care, meaningful relationships, and enriching activities. Their support added joy and comfort to her later years, and their kindness will never be forgotten.