Elaine (Stokes) Stewart, age 75 of Westcliffe (formerly of Salida), Colorado, passed away peacefully in her home on December 20, 2021. Elaine was born and raised in Kingston, New York, and was the daughter of the late Bert and Pauline Stokes.
She was married to the late Russell “Bud” Stewart on June 24, 1967, and they shared 45 adventurous years together. They enjoyed taking long car rides through their beloved Sangre de Cristo mountains and fishing along the Arkansas River.
Her perseverance and faith shined through after surviving cancer in 2011. She enjoyed everything that embodied the outdoors: fishing, hunting, walking, and drinking her coffee outside on a chilly day. She was a pioneer woman with a touch of glamour. Throughout her life, Elaine put her heart and soul into everything she endeavored and worked in various positions of management. Her charitable and voluntary contributions were endless, including whipping up delicious meals for any occasion even at the drop of a hat. She was the Exalted Ruler of BPOE Elks Lodge #808 in Salida from 2010 to 2012 and maintained her membership thereafter in Cody, Wyoming, where she previously resided. Elaine was a deeply spiritual and silently introspective person, a dedicated Prayer Warrior where friends and family looked forward to her daily blessings. She was a member of the Cody Park Community Church, Sangre de Cristo Cowboy Church, PEO Sisterhood, and The International Gem Society. She enjoyed bowling with her woman’s league in Westcliffe, line dancing, singing in the church choir, and playing games with friends at the Custer County Senior Center.
She is survived by her son, Bryan (Dawn) Stewart of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina; stepson, Russell “Buddy” (Phyllis) Stewart, Jr. of Loudon, Tennessee; stepdaughter, Lynn (Larry) Benjamin of Jensen Beach, Florida; sisters, Beverly Botsakos of Mount Marion, New York and Susan Whittaker of Kingston, New York; brother, Gary Stokes of Ocala, Florida; grandchildren, Jacob Stewart of Fairview, Texas, AJ Guerriero of Raleigh, North Carolina, Bryanna (Nick) Schlump of Dundee, Michigan, Mariah (Alex) Walt of Fort Carson, Colorado, Krista Snow and partner Jesse Jackson of Kingston, New York, Courtney Snow and partner Kevin Caputo of Kingston, New York, Cougar Benjamin of Round Top, New York, Zachary (Sara) Benjamin of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and five great-grandchildren, Lucca Guerriero of North Carolina, Aubree Schlump of Dundee Michigan, and Madison Jackson, Chase Benjamin, and Layla Benjamin all of New York.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Stokes.
A memorial service will be held on January 15, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. in Elks Lodge #808 located at 148 E. 2nd Street, Salida.
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