Jeannette Kay (Showalter) Stewart

Jeanette Kay (Showalter) Stewart, 73, of New Castle, left this world to be with her Jesus early Sunday morning, May 31, 2026, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Born on February 9, 1953, in New Castle, Indiana, Jeanette was the daughter of the late Beatrice Joyce (Sandlin) Riggs and William Guy Showalter Sr. A 1971 graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School, Jeanette went on to earn her associate's degree in nursing from Earlham College in Richmond. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she devoted many years to serving as an Intensive Care Nurse in Clearwater, Florida, before later retiring from Henry County Hospital. Jeanette married Frank “Al” Stewart in September 2002. She was very thankful for her husband, who served the Lord by her side. They were both members of Cross Road Church, where she was a member of the “Women of Worth” and served as president and secretary. She was also a vital member of the Funeral Dinner Committee. Additionally, she taught Sunday school and Wednesday night youth class. Jeannette was a strong woman of faith and shared her faith with others, always giving encouraging words in every situation. Jeanette found joy in life's simple blessings. She loved tending to her garden, preserving her yields, going to flea markets, creating crafts, working in her yard, doing household projects, and traveling with her beloved husband, Frank. More than anything, she cherished time spent with her family and friends. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; going on day trips with her sister, and best friend, Cindy; and being a blessing to her many friends and family anytime there was a need. Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering kindness. She was thoughtful in the way she cared for others, quick with a smile, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten any room. Jeanette leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her memory, including her sons, Jeremy (Jennifer) Showalter of New Castle, Larry (Rae Anne) Cowan of Brownsburg, Kevin Stewart (Nichole Campbell) of New Castle, and Jackie (Erin) Stewart of Zebulon, North Carolina; grandchildren, Kaelynn Cowan, Allister Lily Stewart, Remi Stewart, and Mikey Stewart, Kindsey Swim, Makaelin (Austin) Helms, Karlee (Adam) Rust; eight great-grandchildren, River J. Cowan, Ian and Felicity Howell, Declynn and Noah Helms, Adalee, Abram, and Koleson Rust; her sister, Cindy Sayre of New Castle; her brother, Joe Riggs of New Castle; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and her church family. Jeanette was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Stewart, in 2014; parents, B. Joyce and Ronald Riggs; her sister, Dori Riggs; her brothers, William Guy Showalter and John Lee Showalter; her sister-in-law, Lisa Riggs; niece, Brandi Blackburn; and a great-grandson, Kavan Joseph Rust. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Douglas officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. In celebration of Jeanette's bright and joyful spirit, her family encourages those attending to wear bright colors to the service. The family invites you to share a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Jeanette Showalter Stewart.

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Jeannette Kay (Showalter) Stewart

February 9, 1953 - May 31, 2026