Mary Ellen Stewart passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 21, 2019, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was born Thursday, November 24, 1932, in Moorefield, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Lois Hoppe; her brother, Gene Hoppe; and husband, Rex Stewart.

She is survived by her sister, Carol Warner; brother, Glenn (Marlene) Hoppe; sons, Brad (Lisa Marie) Stewart and Bryan (Lisa Kay) Stewart; grandchildren, Brad, Ben, Nick, Corey, and Cassie Stewart, and Jenna Burke; great-granddaughter, Lillyann Stewart; and many nephews and nieces.

Mary Ellen taught in a one room schoolhouse in western Nebraska after graduating from high school. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She then taught for Omaha Public Schools in Omaha, Nebraska, where she taught second grade for 30 years. Mary Ellen and husband, Rex, enjoyed their retirement years in Bella Vista, Arkansas, where they met many dear friends and were dedicated members of Highlands Methodist Church. Mary Ellen was an avid Husker fan and enjoyed going to Nebraska football games, as well as gardening and collecting antiques. We will miss her humor and beautiful smile.