Lena was the only child born to Thomas & Lillie McCuin-Cross in Atkins, Arkansas. Her father was a share-cropper and the family traveled the country as the jobs moved. Her father later built over-pass bridges in the Southern portion of the state of Arkansas. Lena married Carl Stewart in 1935 and went on to have 7 children (6 girls & 1 boy) She was an avid gardener of vegetables/flowers and loved animals of all kinds. The family moved to Oregon in 1951 and Lena became an OB nurse at the Keizer Hospital in North Bend, Oregon, a post she held for 20 years. She retired in 1971 and the family returned to Arkansas, purchasing a 20 acres plot in Lake Village. There Lena went on to grow some of the most fascinating vegetables with rows up to 80 feet in length. For several years she planted 3 separate gardens, all of which she worked herself and by hand. She also loved to quilt. The quality of her quilts are still admired by those fortunate enough to own one. She is proceeded in death by both her parents, her husband of 68 years and one daughter. Lena died peacefully at the Chicot Memorial Hospital in Lake Village with 4 of her daughters at her side. Her daughter, Reta, who died in 2012, and was cremated, was buried with Lena. She was a wonderful woman who brought life to everything she touched and will be missed by many.

Parents:
*Thomas David Cross
Born:7-9-1899 - Died: 11-15-1943
*Lillie Mae McCuin
Born: 11-27-1903 - Died: 10-23-1985

Children:

*Lilly Jean Stewart-Kilpatrick –
Born: 1-4-1937 - 9-17-2017
*Betty Jo Stewart-Quackinbush –
Born: 7-8-1941
*DeLaris Ann Stewart-Peacock-
Born: 1-30-1943 - Died 3-6-2018
*Carlene Rose Stewart-Bradford –
Born: 1-6-1945
*Derwood Allen Stewart –
Born: 4-12-1947
*Reta Joyce Stewart-Basham
Born: 11-12-1950 - Died: 11-19-2012
*Fonda Christine Stewart-Matthews –
Born: 5-9-1958