Grand Rapids - Rachel Marian Stewart, of Grand Rapids and formerly of both the Fowlerville and Cadillac areas, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at her home within the Clark Retirement Community. She was 94.

Rachel was born on July 30, 1923, in Carlton, Michigan to Stanley and Clara (Lenz) Malcolm. She entered into marriage with Floyd J. Stewart on June 11, 1949, in Hastings, Michigan. Their marriage created a wonderful family of three daughters, and they enjoyed 45 years together until Floyd's passing on July 11, 1994. 

Rachel was a graduate of Hastings High School, after which she attended Marion College in Indiana. There she received her degree in Education, with an emphasis in Art.  She spent her career teaching in Coldwater, Chesaning, and eventually Fowlerville Public Schools,where she retired after numerous years of service in Art and Special Education.  Rachel was a gifted artist and loved to paint, completing several works of art in oil, watercolor and charcoal of area landscapes and barns.  Aside from painting, she also enjoyed camping, travel, gardening, bird-watching, and baking.  Rachel was strong in her faith and a longtime member of Fowlerville and Cadillac United Methodist Churches. She will be deeply missed by many.

Rachel is survived by her three children, Rebecca (Lee) Winegar of Xenia, OH, Roberta (Judson) Sorensen of Grand Rapids, MI and Karen (Joseph) Sober of Sylvania, OH; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Dennis Malcolm; her sister, Julia Mead; a sister-in-law, Patricia Malcolm, a brother-in-law, Harry West ; and many other loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd, her parents, and one brother, John Malcolm.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday,​ December 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the Cadillac United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Thomas Ball.  Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in the spring. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cadillac United Methodist Church in Rachel's memory.

The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.

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