Linda Louise "Lulu" Debruhl Stewart

Linda Louise "Lulu" DeBruhl Stewart of Robinson, IL, 77, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, March 3, 2025.

She was born on July 23, 1947, in El Paso, TX, the daughter of Alfred & Frances (Cloud) DeBruhl. She grew up in El Paso, where she helped care for her five other brothers and sisters alongside her eldest sister, Kathy. Linda attended Burgess High School in El Paso. She would then go on to meet the love of her life Nolan "Butch" Stewart, while he was stationed at Fort Bliss, TX. The two eloped in New Mexico on April 10, 1964, and then they later followed that with an official ceremony at St. Matthew's Catholic Church on December 12, 1964.  They soon began their family, welcoming their daughter Cherie Louise before relocating to Robinson, IL, where they would then have a son, Charles Edward.

Linda earned her associate's degree in June of 1975, and her passion for helping others led to her work at Lincoln Grade School as a teacher's aide for children with developmental disabilities. Later, she worked at the Tresslar Snack Bar, where she enjoyed interacting with the public. She would continue working at the Heath Candy Company Fenn Plant and later at the West Main plant, where she wasn't shy about sampling the products. After her career with Heath, Linda found fulfillment in serving as a language interpreter for the growing Hispanic community in Robinson, forming many lasting friendships.

In retirement, Linda lived a very active and fulfilling life and found joy in many things. Linda was an avid bingo player and would often travel to large bingo halls and Indian casinos. She loved playing cards, whether it be Canasta, Pinochle, or even rummy with the grandkids. Linda would paint, read, crochet, needlepoint, swim, and was also a very active member of the Women of the Moose. You often could catch Linda and Nolan at the Moose dance on Friday nights.

Those who knew Linda will forever hold in their hearts the warmth, kindness, and unconditional love she brought into every room. She had a unique gift for making everyone feel special and cared for. Linda never missed a birthday, holiday, or special event. If life's circumstances kept her from being there in person, she would go out of her way to ensure that she was still part of the celebration in her own special way. You could always count on her to find a newspaper clipping, a program, or a thoughtful keepsake from the occasion, which she would lovingly preserve for years to come. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in particular, felt the depth of her love. Linda was more than just a grandmother to them; she was a constant presence in their lives, offering her time, wisdom, and affection at every turn. She was always the first to send them a birthday wish, and it wasn't unusual for them to receive a voicemail at midnight with Linda singing them a joyful, off-key version of "Happy Birthday" a gift they cherished more than any material present. To them, Linda was their safe haven — their warm blanket on a cold night, their gentle back scratcher when they needed comfort, their patient cook preparing meals with love, and their wise and caring therapist who knew exactly when to listen and when to offer a comforting word. Her love for them was boundless, and she ensured they always felt it, no matter the distance or time. We love you to the moon and back, to infinity and beyond..xoxxxox

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Nolan Stewart, by her sister Kathryn Frances (DeBruhl) Bame, and by her parents Alfred and Francis Cloud DeBruhl.

She is survived by her children Cherie Stewart of Robinson, IL, and Charles & Bobbie Stewart of Flat Rock, IL; by her grandchildren, Sarah & Nathaniel Tyler, Mariah Stewart, Johnathan Stewart, all of Flat Rock, IL, and her great-grandchildren James Nolan, Grayson, Alba-Grace, and Bennett Tyler of Flat Rock IL. By her sisters Marie Quiroz of El Paso, Texas, Patsy Ortiz of Temple, Texas, and Debbie Marquez of El Paso, Texas, and by her brothers Edward DeBruhl of El Paso, Texas, and Michael DeBruhl of El Paso, Texas.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Robinson New Cemetery. Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting with arrangements.

Proverbs 31:31

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate