Faylene Stewart

FAYLENE STEWART, 85 of Ogallala, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Welcov Assisted Living in Ogallala.

Faylene was born April 28, 1932 in Baldwyn, Mississippi to James "Charlie" and Arbie Haskell (Potts) Pannell. She graduated from high school in Parma, Missouri, before attending business college in Memphis, Tennessee.

Following her education, Faylene remained in the Memphis area where she worked at Republic Pictures. It was in Memphis, that she met the love of her life, Cameron Stewart, who had been stationed there as part of his service in the Navy. The two were later married on December 11, 1953 in Memphis, and the couple relocated and made their first home in San Diego. Their union was blessed with 4 children; Gwen, Lynndi, Garon and Jodi. The family made their home in Lincoln and Kansas City before eventually settling in Ogallala in 1962.

Faylene was deeply devoted to her husband and family, and her care for them throughout the years was most always highlighted with the grace that was distinctly her own. She had a great appreciation for antiques, which in itself captures an endearing facet of her personality; she found it easy to spot the inherent value and beauty in what others may not. In the early 1980's, she began her business, Country Lane Antiques, which she operated for many years out of her barn and in mall spaces. She delighted in sharing her love of antiques with her customers. She found moments of fulfillment through the simplicity of having her family around the table, listening to her favorite Elvis songs, or perhaps caring for some of the countless rescue cats that she fed, sheltered and loved over the years.

Faylene was also known for her fortitude. In the 1960's, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite the life altering implications of her diagnosis, Faylene was determined to take control of her health in any way possible, and found success in managing her MS for the better part of 50 years.

As a child, her parents faithfully took her to church, often the Nazarene Church. She attended the Methodist Church in Ogallala for many years. Then after studying more deeply, in 1996, she was baptized into Christ at the same time that Eboni and Ambri were baptized. Her eyes began failing several years ago, but the last year that she was still able to read, she read through the whole Bible in that year. Her faith was strong and very evident in her relationships.

Faylene was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Russ Falotico; and sister-in-law & her husband, Doni (Ben) Alexenberg.

Survivors include her husband Cameron of Ogallala; her children, Gwen Merrill of Ogallala, Lynndi Falotico of Greeley, CO, Garon (Sherri) Stewart of Ogallala, Jodi (Dirk) Neverve of Douglas, WY; 6 grandchildren, Eboni Merrill of Omaha, Ambri (Ted) Vogel of Bennington, Tony (Kenzie) Falotico of Douglas, WY, Makaela Falotico of Greeley, Baylee Stewart of Kearney, Payton Stewart of Ogallala; 2 great grandchildren, Jackson & Adeline Vogel of Bennington.

Memorials are suggested to Heartland Cats or the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in Faylene's memory. Condolences can be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Ogallala with Bobby Brueggeman, Bill Lewis and Dave Brown officiating. Interment of cremains will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Memorial Book Signing will be Tuesday, August 1st, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.