Katherine J. (Wanda) Stewart

Katherine J. (Wanda) Stewart passed peacefully at the age of 90 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Albuquerque. She was a passionate conservationist, organic gardener and advocate for animals. She was most proud of her family and the genealogical library in Roswell that she helped establish. The Wilson-Cobb library carries her Cobb family name. She was born in 1927 in Caryville, Tennessee into a southern family that had first settled in Virginia in 1634. Family research occupied much of her time and she delighted in uncovering the roots of her large, diverse family where she discovered her Cherokee Great great-grandmother. She grew up on a farm where three generations lived and worked together, until her family moved to Kentucky where she remained until she graduated from high school. She was recruited by the VA during WW II to work in Washington DC. It was the first time she had been away from home and it inspired her to travel as often as possible. She came to New Mexico in 1950 when her husband was transferred to Walker Air Force Base near Roswell. It was startling for them to move from the South to the desert; but they adapted quickly and fell hopelessly in love with New Mexico and never again wanted to live anywhere else. They visited their families in the South as often as possible, but never felt any place was home except Roswell. After a three-year stint in Europe, and a long career in the military, they retired in Roswell where they had built their home and never wandered far again. She was a member of Eastern Star in Roswell and volunteered often for the Presbyterian Church. She never missed the opportunity to vote in any and every election and often volunteered to work on election day.

She moved to Albuquerque in 2008 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She bought a home in a compound in the north valley and continued to be independent as long as she was able. She loved to read, research family history, write letters and cards and do crossword puzzles. She dearly loved her many friends and acquaintances. She stayed in touch with her many friends in Roswell and other cities and delighted in long phone conversations and exchanging letters and visits.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon G. Stewart, her son, J. Michael Stewart of Algodones and her brother James Steele. She is survived by her daughter Carolyn Stewart and husband Phillip Goetze, grandsons Kevin Cox , Matthew Stewart, Jackson Stewart; granddaughter Cathryn Starr, and sister-in-law Marlene Steele of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be buried in the Santa Fe National Cemetery with her husband. A memorial service in Roswell will be announced in the future.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Katherine's name to The Wilson-Cobb Research Library, P.O. Box 1216, Roswell, NM 88202 or the charity of your choice.

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