Ernestine Lotella "Kewpie" (Herriott) Steward

Chico ~ Ernestine Lotella Herriott “Kewpie” Steward, 95, a banker, went to be with our Lord Saturday, January 24, 2015 in Hurnville.

Funeral is 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Chico with burial in Chico Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Rev. Ronnie Geesling will officiate assisted by Bill Steward. Pallbearers include Eddie Cox, Avery Cox, Arnie Barksdale, Raleigh Cox, Robert Cox, and Audie Morris.

Kewpie was born May 27, 1919 to John and Clara (Cox) Herriott on the family farm just North of Chico. She was delivered by a pioneer woman doctor, Dr. Lotella Poteet. She was the last surviving granddaughter of North Texas Pioneer Basilee Pierce Cox, who arrived in North Texas in 1851, and was a veteran of the “Battle of Dove Creek” and several other engagements against the Comanche and Kiowa raiders. He served under Capt. James Cunningham. Kewpie grew up in Chico surrounded by extended family. She graduated from Chico High School in 1936. Kewpie attended TCU and Draughn’s Business School. She began her banking career in 1936 working for Lee Morris at his Chico bank. She retired after 36 years, the bulk of which was with the Lacy family’s Central National Bank in Oklahoma City. In 1951 she met Carl W. Steward when he opened a new account at the bank where Kewpie worked. Having been called to serve in the military during Korean Conflict, Carl asked her to write him while he was stationed in South Dakota. After a 1 ½ year long writing campaign they were united in Marriage on January 26, 1956 in Oklahoma City. They set up housekeeping in Del City, Oklahoma where they resided until moving to Texas in 2008. In May of 1959 they welcomed a son, Bill Elbert Steward into their lives. She and Carl also served as surrogate parents to Roger D. Moore. They later became grandparents to Amie, Eb, Karey Beth, Charlie, and the baby Kewpie. They also welcomed Roger’s children, Jessica, Katie, and Andrew. She later expanded her grandchildren to include Rachel and Raleigh Cox. Kewpie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chico.

Mother’s passion was serving her family and her Southern Baptist faith and finally her career. In her final days she brought joy and laughter to those who sought to help her. It was a good life.

Kewpie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Carl Steward; and son by heart, Roger D. Moore.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Bill E. Steward and wife Kelly of Hurnville, Texas; 7 grandchildren; great grandchildren; other family members and a host of friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson St. Wichita Falls, Texas 76310 and Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch P.O. Box 1890 Amarillo, Texas 79174-0001

Hawkins Funeral Home, Bridgeport, Texas, 940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com