Merva E. Stuart

It was a frosty 28 degrees that January day in Bonner Springs, Kansas, but the hearts of James A. Wiyninger and Maude (Bonderant) Wyninger were warmed as they welcomed their daughter, Merva Elva Wyninger (Stuart) into the world. As she grew, Merva continued to warm hearts and touch lives. She married her one-and-only sweetheart, Phillip Lyle Stuart on November 6, 1948. Together they brought life to six daughters and one son: Phyllis Ohler of Vero Beach, FL, Wanda (Ryland) Cozad of Shawnee, KS, Diana Pierce of Raytown, MO, Cheryl (David) Becker of Eudora, KS, Terry (Terrance) Mayhew of Lenexa, KS, Phillip (Tammy) Stuart of McClouth, KS, Annette (Karl) Barnes of Olathe, KS. Though her hands were full, her heart was even fuller. She was a second mother to many and her home always had room for “a few more”. Soon, Merva was Grandmother to 21 grandchildren, and Great-Grandmother to 25. Her family and friends will remember her for her love for children, her many years of work and retirement from The Jones Store Co., and her fondness for traveling (especially to Florida). Merva received the gift of salvation and was baptized at Grace Baptist Temple KC, KS. In her later years, she enjoyed contributing to the efforts of Operation Christmas Child, Samaritans Purse, and Indian Creek Community Church. Through these organizations, her warmth and outstretched hand was able to reach areas and touch lives where she had never stepped foot. Her love for travel has been rewarded with an eternal home in the most glorious of locations as she is now reunited with those who preceded her in death, including her husband of 36 years, Lyle Stuart, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, and precious great-granddaughter. It is no surprise that it was a sunny Sunday with temperatures rising well into the 90’s on the day of Merva’s passing. Although her physical presence has left the earth, the reminders of her warmth and love will always be around those who knew and loved her. While financial donations to the wonderful programs Merva held dear are much appreciated, her family asks that you warm a heart with a loving act of kindness in memory of Merva. Make someone laugh, give an extra hug, read a story to a child, make room for “a few more”.

Tributes

Merva E. Stuart

January 18, 1932 - July 12, 2015