Rita LaRose Stewart

Rita LaRose Parker Stewart, of Bruce, MS passed away at her residence on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 79. She was born and raised in Bruce, MS on October 20, 1946, and joined First Baptist Church of Bruce, MS. 

Rita attended Bruce School and graduated in 1964. After graduation she attended Northwest Jr. College, while there she married Billy Jack Stewart on October 23, 1964. She later attended Pearl River Jr. College, from there she attended Mississippi State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education and Library Science. She received her Master's Degree in Library Science. Later, she did Advanced studies toward a Specialist degree at MS State and Ole Miss. She taught school for thirty years in Calhoun County. She spent twelve years at Bruce Junior High and eighteen years at Calhoun City grades 1-12. 

Rita and Billy Jack made their home in the Ellard community where they had two children. Rita was a member of Ellard Baptist Church. She was a member of the Society of Colonial Dames and also a member of the Daughter's of the American Revolution. 

Her family was her life, she leaves her husband of sixty-two years Billy Jack Stewart, a daughter Jackie Stewart (Ronald) Carter and a son Billy Jack (Paige) Stewart II, four grandchildren: Kyle (Chelsea) Carter, Claire Carter (Dalton) Webster, John Prentiss (Brooke) Stewart, and Jordan Stewart, three great grandchildren: Jackson Carter, Preslee Carter and Olivia Tate Webster and two sisters, Mitzi Aron and Janice Hawkins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Prentiss Leo and Mattie Lou Tranum Parker.

A graveside service will be held at Concord Cemetery on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM with Bro. Kevin Chrestman officiating. Pallbearers will be Jason Aron, Dr. Jim Aron, Joe Aron, Brad Gunter, Justin Hawkins, and W. W. Hillhouse, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to the The Cross at Calhoun County, c/o  Pittsboro Baptist Church, P.O. Box 56, Pittsboro, MS 38951.

Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Stewart family. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.