Claribel M. (Connie) Stewart

Claribel Martin “Connie” Stewart, 94, passed away peacefully on October 13 into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born on November 12, 1925, in Indianapolis to Judge Clarence R. and Nellie Martin. Connie was predeceased by her husband Paul W. Stewart in 2016 and tragically by her son James M. Stewart in 1977. She was also predeceased by her brother Edmund W. Martin, sister Virginia Daw, and step-sister Jane Binford. She is survived by her loving and beloved daughter Carolyn Neale (William) and son Steven R. Stewart, by six grandchildren, Brian Neale, Rebecca Hampson (Noah), Scott Neale, Stacey Schultz (Dan), Carey Thompson, Steven P. Stewart (Staci), 11 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Connie graduated from Shortridge High School, went on to Ward-Belmont Women’s College (now Belmont University) in Nashville, TN and then to Butler University, where she graduated in 1947 with a degree in Home Economics.

During her time at Butler, Connie was active in many aspects of collegiate life, including as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She was a member of both the women’s field hockey and synchronized swimming teams, and was proudly awarded a varsity letter at a special ceremony celebrating female Butler athletes in 2011.

While at Butler, she met the love of her life, Paul, whom she married in 1947. Paul and Connie first settled in Lawrence Township, where they raised Aberdeen Angus cattle. In 1958, Connie was named Mrs. Indiana. She won the competition by demonstrating her exceptional cooking and sewing skills. She competed in the Mrs. America competition in Miami, Florida.

Connie was a woman of great talent: she was creative, intelligent, and generous with her time and many gifts. She was an active member and past president of Chapter F, P.E.O. sisterhood.  Additionally, she was a member of Lawrence United Methodist Church, and E.91st Street Christian Church. She supported countless Christian endeavors.

As Paul’s cattle business grew, Connie and Paul purchased a farm in Cambridge City, Indiana in 1962. She supported the farm operation as a bookkeeper and managed the household while simultaneously volunteering as a 4H leader and supporting her children’s activities. She was a wonderful wife and mother, striving for excellence in all she did.
In 1967, the family moved back to Indianapolis. Connie lovingly cared for her mother in her home for several years and supervised the care of many elderly relatives.

Connie will be remembered as a woman of faith, virtue and good humor. Her loving family will remember most fondly what a faithful, loving, and encouraging wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great­ great-grandmother she was to all of us.

The family wishes to thank Gracie Pryor, her long-time helper and caring friend, as well as Jackie Johnson and Ernestine Willis Smith, who lovingly cared for Connie during the last years of her life.

Due to Covid-19, funeral services will be private to ensure the safety of all involved. Connie will be entombed next to Paul and their son, Jim, at the mausoleum at Washington Park, East Cemetery in Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, Connie’s family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to the charity of their choice. Arrangements entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East.