July 26,1935 – October 20,2023
Loretta Maxine Steward passed away under the tender care of Angel Haven Adult Family Home at age 88 on October 20, 2023 in Auburn, WA.
Loretta Maxine was born at home, weighing in at a mere 4 3⁄4 lbs to Roy and Zelda Smith (and older sister, Elouise) in McGrew Nebraska on July 26, 1935.
During Loretta’s childhood, her small family of four moved often. She shared her recollection of 26 different moves. She and her family finally settled in Elma, WA where she met her husband W. Frank Steward.
Frank and “Lori” (as Frank called her) married on October 27, 1956. Together they moved to Seattle and then to Auburn, WA where Loretta resolved to never move again. She lived in her Auburn, WA home for 59 years.
Loretta is survived by her children Lynette Storer, Edwin Steward and Stu (Debbie) Steward; grandchildren Teresa (Kenny) Savage, Jared Storer & Jeremy (Kara) Lane; and great-grandchildren Samuel Reed, Liam Storer, Tobias Reed, Jude Savage, Aidry Storer, Luca Savage, Jack Lane & Nora Lane.
Loretta is preceded in death by her husband W. Frank Steward, her sister Elouise Smith Hall and grandson Brian Storer.
Loretta faithfully served the Lord for all of her 88 years. She was kind, compassionate, faithful and just a little bit stubborn. Loretta was active in her church, working in the nursery for many years. She loved caring for and holding the babies. She was also part of the team running the church food bank. Reaching out to those in need was important to her.
Loretta was a devoted homemaker for all of her married years and she was very good at it. She worked outside of the home a short time when her children were older at the local hospital as a housekeeper. She canned everything, made meals from scratch and was always up for a family camping trip or road trip; taking in the scenery on the back of Frank’s motorcycle. She was an excellent seamstress, and also crocheted. Her talent was evident in the beautiful blankets and clothes (both baby and barbie doll) that she made. She loved her family, friends and community.
A Celebration of Life service will take place at the following date/time and all are welcome. Saturday November 4, 2023 at 2:00pm Church of the Nazarene | 1225 29th St SE, Auburn WA 98002 Suggested donations in lieu of flowers: Auburn Food Bank; https://www.theauburnfoodbank.org Alzheimer’s Association; https://act.alz.org
