Geraldine Elaine "Gerri" Steward

Heaven has welcomed yet another dear soul to its ranks of angels. Geraldine (Gerri) E. Steward (the perpetual adventurer) made her transition on November 24, 2024. Gerri was born in Sioux City, Iowa on April 20th 1942 to Edwin T. and Ethel B. Ruark. The family was assigned by the military to move to Butte in 1943 so Ed, her father, could work as a printer in support of the war effort. Gerri was a Butte girl through and through despite not actually being born here. Gerri is the eldest of three siblings. As a child she barely tolerated her brothers Jim and Tom and eventually came to love and appreciate them as they all grew up. Gerri talked frequently about the fun that was had as they camped every weekend and motor biked to their hearts content all summer long. Gerri attended Madison and Webster Garfield Elementary Schools and graduated from Butte High in 1960. In the early 1960’s Gerri met and married John Steward and together they had their daughters Brenda and Brandi Steward. Later Gerri and John divorced. Gerri Steward never met anyone she didn’t like and was always generous in inviting folks to her home during the Holidays if they had no place to go. Gerri was a goal setter and a go getter. She worked as an advertising sales rep for KXLF TV and later for KBOW Radio. Gerri had a kind and gregarious personality and could sell/promote almost anything. Gerri could sell ice cubes to Alaskans. And that is how many of us met our friend Gerri. Though you may have met her through the Red Hat Society or when she was a decades long member of International Toastmistress Club, or through her Clogging group or other dance classes, or at writing or ceramics classes, or at the many fundraisers she hosted or attended, or at Unity Church where she found her spiritual home. Which leads us to another important part to her story. When husband John was relocated to St Paul Minnesota, Gerri was able to attain her dream to become ordained as a minister through the Religious Science Ministry. Upon their return to Butte, Gerri was able to become the minister of her beloved Butte Unity and served for 18 years until her retirement. As her health declined Gerri was placed in the care of the Bee Hives Home and like having siblings, at first the adjustment was hard but in short order she grew to enjoy the community and especially raved about the delicious home cooked food. Special thanks go out to Brendan at Dr. Chamberlin’s office for his special care and kindness to Gerri, to the Bee Hive Home and Honey Bee Hospice. Gerri is predeceased by: Both parents, ex-husband John Steward, brother Tom Ruark and dear friend Liz Peruich. Surviving family include brother Jim Ruark, daughters Brenda Steward and her daughters Erin DeWitt and Samantha DeWitt and Brandi Steward and son Marshall Steward. Memorial services will be conducted Friday, January 24th at 11 am in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home. Donations can be made in her memory to any animal rescue, Butte Rescue Mission, the Butte Food Bank, Butte Unity or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Tributes

Geraldine Elaine "Gerri" Steward

April 20, 1942 - November 24, 2024