Verna Helen Stewart

Verna Helen Minch Stewart, age 74, of Owenton, passed away at her home on Thursday, November 19, 2020.

Born September 13, 1946, in Louisville, KY, she was the daughter of the late Price and Marie Dowden Minch.

Verna was the co-owner and operator of her family's business, Minch Hardware & Appliance for over 30 years and was recognized by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce for the Business of the Year in 2011. She was a devoted member of First Christian Church where she was Treasurer for many years. She was an active member of the community serving as Owen County Library Treasurer for several years, a n original member of the Owen County Saddle Club, and f ormer Treasurer of the KY Quarter Horse Association.  4-H held a special place in Verna's heart, she was the s tate 4-H Horse Advisory Council member and President in the ’80s till the early ’90s, Northern KY 4-H Horse Camp Leader for more than 10 years, and was the s tate 4-H Horse Show Dedication Recipient in 1993 as well as the 4-H Pioneer Award in 2012 for Owen County. She enjoyed painting, growing roses, and swimming.  She loved attending horse shows and watching her children and grandchildren ride and show horses. She could always be found with the latest and greatest technology and gadgets.  Most of all Verna Helen loved her family, her church family, and the community of Owen County.

Verna Helen will be deeply missed by her husband of nearly 56 years, Woodford "Woody" R. Stewart; her children, Ashley Griffin and husband Tod, and Gene Ray Stewart and wife Cara; her brother and business partner, Gary Minch and wife Jan; her grandchildren Price, Reese Ann, Clayton, and Bailey; her b rother in law Marvin Stewart and wife Carolyn;  her niece and nephews, Trina Gibson, Brian Minch, and Kevin Minch.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brian Minch, Price Griffin, Kevin Minch, Craig Wood, Clayton Stewart, Jeff Smith and Marshall Gibson. Honorary Bearers will be Jeremy Wyles, Ed Bourne and Dana Justis.

McDonald & New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.  Private services are being held with Bro Greg Guy officiating.  Burial will be in the Owenton Cemetery and memorial contributions may be made to Owenton First Christian Church.