Laura Ruth Stewart, age 69, of Benton, passed away at 8:59 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Herrin Hospital Emergency Room.
Laura was born August 6, 1956, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Harry Stewart and Miriam Jane (Whaley) Stewart.
She was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1974 where she was an outstanding student and an Illinois State Scholar. In 1974 she was the first female athlete from BCHS to place in the State of Illinois Track and Field Competition, taking third place in the discus. This was quite a feat due to women’s competition being still a one-class system. Her accolades in high school women’s track and field would help her compete collegiately at Illinois State, until an injury ended her career.
Laura formerly worked as a server and trainer with Red Lobster. She also for 35 years, was the highest non-paid key volunteer with the Special Olympics of Illinois.
She was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.
Laura enjoyed cooking meals for her family and traveling abroad with family members and friends. She loved attending sporting events, especially women’s basketball where she rooted for the South Carolina Gamecocks, however in recent years she became a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan especially of #33 Amiah Hargrove. She loved NFL Football and was an avid Denver Broncos fan, but family had persuaded her to sometimes root for the Kansas City Chiefs. She also enjoyed watching cooking shows and attending concerts. To her sister’s dismay she knew most of the Jeopardy questions and was quick with the answer.
Surviving is her loving sister Dr. Kelly Stewart of Benton, Illinois, her brother Lex Stewart and wife Shannon of Benton, Illinois; nephews: Alex Stewart, John Pulliam and wife Kaitlynn, and Landon Stewart, all of Benton, Illinois, great-nephews: Daniel Stewart Hobbs, Braxton Stewart and Keaton Pulliam; nieces: Carly, Breelyn and Laynee; cousins Steve Stewart and wife Cathy of Benton, Illinois, Laura Jane Lau and husband Richard of Chicago, Illinois, her beloved cats: Buddy, Lucy and JoJo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a Cousin Iris Hampleman, and her dear friend Mark Rohrer.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.
The family prefers Memorial contributions may be made to the Laura Stewart BCHS Girls Track Scholarship fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Laura, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.