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Velma Joyce Stewart (Kirkpatrick) died May 15, 2016, at Maplecrest Care Center in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 78.
Born on the farm in Polk County, she moved to Omaha and married Vern Stewart. A computer operator at Methodist Hospital, upon her divorce, fulfilled her lifelong dream and went to North Carolina to live in the mountains before moving to Fremont, Nebraska. She worked in Valmont Industries before returning to Creston where she had a long career at the gummy bear factory. After her retirement, she settled in Omaha with her family.
The family will hold a private service, but memorial cards may be sent to Sheri Neve, 806 N. 49th St., Omaha, NE 68132. Joyce is survived by two daughters, Cody Ferris of Burlington and Sheri Neve of Omaha, Nebraska; sister Evelyn Schrodt of Murray and brother Don Haggerty of Loveland, Colorado. She is preceded in death by mother Mildred Haggerty and sister Betty Westlake.