Marjorie Anna (Gibson) Stewart, 92, of Perry passed away surrounded by family April 7, 2026, in Independence, Missouri, from natural causes.
She was born Nov. 30, 1933, in Scranton, Iowa, to Elmer and Grace (Allstot) Gibson.
Growing up in Scranton, Marge was known as Gabby, attributed to her spirit and love of conversation.
Marge graduated from Scranton High School, where she was a proud member of the band. Her love of music remained constant throughout her life.
After moving to Des Moines, she worked in the lieutenant governor’s office. She played music in a local jazz band, and it was then that she met the love of her life, Stanley P. Stewart, after he offered to carry her saxophone home one evening.
Marge and Stanley later settled in Perry, Stanley’s hometown, where they raised their four children and stayed active in the community. Marge was involved in local programs and youth activities, even helping to establish the Perry Junior Jay Wrestling program. She also coached girls’ softball for many years.
For 38 years, Marge worked with HomeCare Services Inc., providing transportation and support to members of the Dallas County area.
After her retirement, she volunteered at Lake Robbins Ballroom, enjoying an atmosphere of live music and dancing.
Her service reflected the same compassion, reliability and strength that defined how she lived her life. Marge will be remembered for her devotion to family, her generosity, and her humor.
Marge is survived by her son, Jeffrey Stewart, and his wife, Karen (Wesely), of Perry, and grandchildren, Mandy and partner, Steve, and Mindy and husband, Kyle; her daughter, Jane (Stewart) Cavanaugh, and her husband, Curt Cavanaugh, of Blue Springs, Missouri, and grandchild, Ali, and husband, Shane; her daughter, Jennifer (Stewart) Ryan, and husband, Shawn Ryan, of Kansas City, Missouri, and grandchildren, Katlyne, Morgan, Holden and Dylan; Her son, John (Jack) Stewart, and his wife, Danene (Tunink) Stewart, of Perry, and grandchildren, Jayde, and her husband, Kory, and Zach, Grace, Jeb, Phoebe and Thad. Six great-grandchildren Reese, Cash, Charlie, Olivia, Cav and Jett; nephews, Stan Gibson and Jim Gibson; and niece. Linda (Gibson) Ryerson.
Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; her grandson, Jake; her parents, Elmer and Grace; her brothers, Bill (and wife Madge), Gene (and wife Molly); her sister, Esther (and husband Jim), Opal; her nephews, Dennis, Dean and Donald “Chop;” and her niece, Ruth Schmitz.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 20 at La Poste at 1219 Warford St. in Perry from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Jake Cavanaugh Foundation, in remembrance of Marge’s grandson Jake. The foundation provides funding for support to children and families affected by cancer.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Tyler Stingley is our funeral director and personal concierge serving her family. Memories of Marjorie and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.