Katherine Ann Stewart

Katherine Ann (Epperson) Stewart, 87, of Vandalia, Missouri, was welcomed into Heaven by her parents at 5:49 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Baptist Homes of Tri-County in Vandalia, Missouri.

She was born on October 15, 1938, to Robert Leo & Mary Golden(Kisor) Epperson.

She had one older brother, Robert Leo “Bob” (Carolyn), who preceded her in death. She graduated from New London High School in 1956.

From her previous marriage to Wayne Lake, Katherine was blessed with her three greatest joys: LeeAnn (Greg) Ellis, Leslie (Mike) McMillen, and John (Sharon) Lake. She later married Dale Stewart on October 2, 1985 in Miami, OK and lovingly welcomed his son, Shane (Audrey) Stewart, into her family. She thought the world of them and could often be found cheering them on, supporting their endeavors, and celebrating their accomplishments. Her family was the center of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Known best as “MawMaw,” she had 9 grandchildren: Tara (Steve) Zieger, Raini (Brian) Raney, JaCee (Glen) Hickerson, Shelton (Amber) McMillen, Whitley (Steve) Wilson, Austin (Carrie) Lake, Taylor (Steven) Cleary, Evelyn and Colton Stewart. She is blessed with 21 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Working for Dr. Farrel at the dental office in Hannibal, is where Katherine began her nursing assistant role. Later, she would go on to work for Dr EP Hansen & Dr. Hevel at Frankford Clinic and Dr. Griffin in Bowling Green. She then took a change of scenery and would go on to work in the insurance field with Betty Davis and enjoyed helping at the local H & R Block. She enjoyed helping others and a tidy workspace.

Holiday meals were a favorite of hers. She enjoyed cooking for her loved ones for any occasion. She enjoyed cooking daily for Dale until she wasn’t able to and then the both of them enjoyed outings together to eat at local places, specifically “Liter’s” with the old Liter’s coffee crew.

Katherine was known best as the “Mary Kay Lady” and took the title to heart by simply living and breathing her skin and beauty routine. She was always known to have her jewelry, make-up and hair in place. She enjoyed her nails being painted and loved her weekly hair appointments.

Devoted to her lord Jesus Christ, Katherine was an exceptional pianist and enjoyed playing for Adiel Baptist Church and later Salt River Christian Church. You could find her every Sunday in a church pew. She loved to sing hymnals and share her love of Jesus.

A woman of unrecognizable strength, grace, and an occasional “shit fire” Katherine lived a full-filling life of worship and an occasional “Horse Feathers.” Whether you’d find her catching chickens or helping with make up, Aunt Tootie was a forever supporter of those most important to her and will be dearly missed by all.

Serving as pallbearers will be Neil Raney, Austin Lake, Shelton McMillen, Steve Zieger, Glen Hickerson, Brian Raney, Darin Epperson and Doug Epperson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home in Vandalia.  Burial will follow in Hays Creek Cemetery in rural Vandalia.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

The family is being served by Waters Funeral Home in Vandalia, MO.

Memorials may be made to Adiel Baptist Church or Salt River Christian Church.