Valetia May (Carter) Stewart's Obituary
Valetia May (Carter) Stewart
August 6, 1916 ~ December 18, 2015
Born, Valetia May McQueen, to Minnie and Robert McQueen in Sparks, Kansas, on August 6, 1916, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, the family matriarch, passed away on December 18, 2015. At 99, her body was worn out, but her independence, wit, humor, generosity, patience, kindness, joy and perseverance remain within the hearts of all who loved her.
Her legacy is that she taught us to do our best, think for ourselves, value education, follow our dreams, love and support one another, appreciate the beauty in nature, make the best pies and bread, and grow beautiful flower gardens.
Although “little grandma” was small in stature, her personality was big. Her large brass key ring said, “I refuse to grow up” and she didn’t. She went sledding with the neighborhood kids, and climbed on roofs. If you were hungry, she fed you. If you timed it right, you were offered homemade apple pie or fresh bread. Her beautiful black hair and sparkling green eyes changed with the years, but her spirit and laughter stayed strong.
Valetia is remembered as an excellent cook. For years she was head cook at John Gumm School. She cooked and baked “from scratch” and fed breakfast to hungry students, as well as lunch, and enjoyed her job.
Valetia was married to Floyd Carter in 1933; after 49 years of marriage, Floyd preceded her in death. She later married Charles Stewart, who also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her sister, Millie Bell; brother, Jim McQueen; and “the girls” and their children and grandchildren – daughters, Donna Holz, Sheila Hutton and Louise Uttinger; grandchildren – Shirley Holz-Lundeen, Leona Culp, Laura Wellons, Shawn Uttinger, Sean Hutton and Scott Hutton; great-grandchildren, Jeremy Harris, Sophia Wellons, Melissa Culp, Elizabeth Culp, Lily Uttinger, Summer Hutton, Madison Hutton, Jeffrey Hutton, Kysa Hutton and Rylan Hutton; and great-great grandchild, Ryan Harris.
A Viewing will be held at 10:00 AM followed by a Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 11:00 AM, at Columbia Funeral Home in St. Helens, Oregon.
What’s your fondest memory of Valetia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Valetia?
Share a story where Valetia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Valetia you’ll never forget.
How did Valetia make you smile?
