Kenneth Ross Stuart passed away June 16, 2024, at Rolling Hills Nursing Home in Wichita, Ks.  He was 80 years old.

Kenneth was born on September 21, 1943, in Newton, KS. He was the youngest child of Clifford Morris and Ione Loraine Marguerite (Schuessler) Stuart. They lived on a farm near Furley, where he joined his 3 siblings: Emma Mae, Loraine and Fred. As a young man, Kenneth accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized.

Kenneth attended schools in Furley and Whitewater until his father decided to leave farming to work at Boeing. The family moved to Newton, KS and Kenneth attended Newton High School.

In 1967, Kenneth married Mary Louise Kluge. They welcomed a son, Charles Lee Stuart, on February 29, 1968. Kenneth lived in Newton until moving to Wichita.

In Wichita, Kenneth worked at Rickman Machine Co.  His employment at Rickman Machine Co. gave him stability and purpose and he enjoyed the people he worked with. Kenneth appreciated the opportunities that working there gave him.

After retirement, Kenneth lived at the Kansas Masonic Home. This was a good fit and a good home for Kenneth. Although naturally quiet and shy, Kenneth formed good friendships there.  He enjoyed Bingo and putting puzzles together. He and friends would often play games together after the other residents went to bed. Kenneth looked forward to Saturdays spent with Charles. They would go shopping, eat out, or share a pizza at Charles's home and spend the evening together. They had a special bond and were very close.

Kenneth was very resilient in life and seldom complained. He kept a positive attitude through many serious health issues including cancers and associated treatments, diabetes and its complications including amputation.

Among Kenneth's favorite activities were fishing, reading, shopping, traveling and going to the Kansas State Fair. He took several road trips to Colorado with Ione and Charles. Kenneth loved the mountains and liked to visit the area around Durango. A highlight was a trip they took to California for Charles' high school graduation.

Kenneth had a quiet, dry sense of humor. He often kept to himself but was interested in other people. His family was very important to him and was a strong support throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ione Stuart, oldest sister, Emma Mae Litton, and brothers in law, Ross Litton and Milton Covalt.

Survivors include his son, Charles Stuart and his wife, Lanae Kalberer of Wichita, KS; sister, Loraine Covalt of North Newton, KS, brother; Fred Stuart and wife Joyce of Hesston, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be at 4 pm on July 15, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Ks.