Obituary of Shirley Mae Steward

Shirley Mae [Baynum] Steward, age 81, of Walton, KY, passed into the sweet hereafter at her residence encircled in the love of family on July 27, 2024.

Shirley was born on February 15, 1941, in Campbell County, KY; the daughter of Claude and Stella May [Laycock] Baynum. 

Shirley met the love of her life when she was 16. Theodore “Ted” Steward, was at the bus stop one day in Walton, KY. They were married and began their family together. The only time Shirley and Ted spent apart was the year and a day after Ted’s passing in 2023.  Although still saddened, we’re comforted to know that they’ve now been reunited forever in Heaven.

Ted adored Shirley’s country cooking and they enjoyed attending and finding treasures at yard sales, most notably the annual 127 Yard Sale together. They would travel down to Frankfort, KY and then make their way back up to Walton each year.  She could be found every year at Walton’s Old Fashioned Day or at a cookout or picnic. Shirley listened exclusively to country music and relished dancing when she could, especially the 2-step. Shirley was a solid rock and loving to all.  She served as a maternal figure to many within her community, including those in her neighborhood.  She loved and gave something fierce to anyone in need, but she also was firm and provided guidance and discipline when required.  She was well-known to have “kept the High Street gang in check.”   

It is in those we love stories that our own begin.  We’ll not let a day go by that we’ll not love and honor this wonderful wife, mother, granny, and all around “good woman--” the maker of the footprints on our own path.

Surviving to carry on Shirley’s legacy are her children Barbara Steward, Paul Steward and Ted Steward (Christy); grandchildren Rodger, Shannon, Amy, Charlie, Amber, Paul Wayne, Justin, Kristy Lynn, Ted William, Matt, and Christopher; 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild as well as many other cherished relatives and friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Ted Steward; her parents; brothers Buck Baynum and Larry Baynum; as well as beloved daughter Virginia Steward Biddle.

A visitation for Shirley will be held Thursday, August, 1, 2024 at Chambers and Grubbs, 45 Main St., Walton, KY, 41094.  The family will receive guests from 10:00 AM until shortly before the time of the funeral service at 12:00 PM (also at the funeral home). Shirley will then be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Taylor Mill, KY.

Memorial donations can be made directly to the family c/o Chambers and Grubbs, 45 Main St., Walton, KY, 41094.

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