Former resident, Ben Stewart, of Harney County, passed away at his home in McKinleyville, Calif. on Dec. 1, 2022.

Ben was born on Jan. 7, 1941, to Mildred and Fred Stewart in Benton, Tenn. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon Stewart; daughter, Deborah Stewart; sons, Jerry Stewart and Kevin Stewart; five grandchildren, Sydny Stewart, Jordan Stewart, Amber Whitehead, Micheal Stewart, and Nichole Stewart; three brothers, Steve Pevehouse, Tim Belcher, and Fred Stewart.

Joining the Army at age 17, Ben served his country in Germany, and then in the United States. After his military service, he made his way “out west” and set up residence in the Burns/Hines area, where he worked at Edward Hines Lumber Company and raised his family.

He enjoyed the rugged outdoor lifestyle of Harney County, especially hunting deer, elk, and fishing the many streams and lakes. In 1969, he moved his family to Willows, Calif. During his 17-years in Willows, he worked as a carpenter, coached Little League and supported the Willows swim team. He and his wife then moved to Eureka, Calif. where they both retired.