Laura "Lolly" Belle (Burnett) Stewart

Laura Belle "Lolly" (Burnett) Stewart was born February 12, 1934 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Ella Burch Burnett and Bruce Burnett, Sr. Lolly had 2 sisters - Ann Burnett and Mary Lou (BooBoo) Burnett Parsons, and one brother Bruce Burnett, Jr. She passed from this life September 16, 2025 at her home in Ryan, Oklahoma at the age of 91.

Lolly went to school in Ryan from first grade to 12th grade. She played on the girls basketball team in JR. High and High School and a majorette in the band for 5 years. She also took part in the Jefferson County Music Festival which was popular at the time. She was FFA Queen her Sophomore year. She was sent to "Girls State" the summer before her Senior year by the American Legion Auxillary. She was valedictorian of her Senior class.

She earned a scholarship to Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, there she earned a membership into Alpha Lamba Delta which is a National Honor Society for good grades. She was also a member and officer of Be Si Ta Social Club. On June 13, 1954 Lolly married James (Jim) Stewart in Ryan. Unto this union was born 3 sons - Jimmy, Patrick, and Kelly.

In 1958 Jim went to work for International Drilling Co. and was sent to Kuwait on the Persian Gulf. While in Kuwait their second son Patrick was born at the American Mission Hospital. In about a year the oil company sent Jim and Family to Iran. At that time Iran was ruled by "the Shaw" and their people were friendly to Americans. In 1962 the Stewart family came home to Ryan to live, which had been the plan all along, to raise cattle for a living ... and that is what they did and are still doing today. The family has been on the ranch east of Ryan all of these years.

The 3 sons graduated from Ryan High School as their grandfather Bruce had done as well as Lolly. All 3 sons graduated from Oklahoma State University as their father Jim had done. Kelly now runs the ranch. Jimmy and Patrick chose different lines of work but they are still a part of the ranch now called the Stewart Family trust. The Methodist Church in Ryan has always been an important part of Lolly and her family's life. She and all three of her sons are members there. She taught Sunday School Class for about 37 years. She was very active in the United Methodist Women's work for a number of years where she served as a local officer and a district officer.

She and Jim were married in the United Methodist Church in Ryan in 1954. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there with a host of family and friends She and Jim were married 63 years. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 90. His memorial service was held at the United Methodist Church in Ryan as well.

She is survived by her sons - Jimmy Stewart and wife Martha of Wichita Falls, Texas, Patrick Stewart and wife Theresa of Edmond, Oklahoma and Kelly Stewart of Ryan, Oklahoma. She is also survived by three grandchildren- Brady Stewart and wife Nicole of Fort Collins, Colorado, Tessa Hixon and husband Justin of Edmond, Oklahoma, Katelyn (Katie) Stewart of Denver, Colorado, and three great grandchildren - Sloane and Barrett Hixon and Sterling Stewart.

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews that she thought were just great. Nephew Walker Ryan and his wife Linda living in Ryan was a special blessing.
Lolly was a country girl and proud of it. Ryan and Jefferson County were always home to her. Many times she said how lucky she was to get to live here - Lucky and Blessed.

Funeral service for Lolly will be Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 3:00PM at the United Methodist Church in Ryan with Rev. Steve Harshaw officiating. Viewing and family visitation will be at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the United Methodist Church at Ryan, Oklahoma.