Caroline A. (Morris) Stewart

Caroline A. (Morris) Stewart was born October 3, 1936 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She passed away February 27, 2025 promptly at 5 p.m. in North Bend at Evergreen Court.

Caroline’s family moved up to Sixes River from Texas to join Uncle Sterling Morris in logging operations. She was the fifth child born of Frank and Tronie Morris. Her family consisted of Frank Morris Jr., Mary Lou, Billie Jean, Margaret and baby Ruth made six. Many times other Morris cousins were living up Sixes when their parents had to travel for work. Tronie and Frank had 6 to 9 children to care for at all times.

Caroline graduated from Port Orford High School and moved to Coos Bay. Her first job at age 17 was the bookkeeper for McDonald Candy Company. She also worked at the Egyptian Theater in the ticket office. She worked at U.S. National and then attended University of Oregon for several years. Upon returning to Coos Bay, she met Keith Stewart while working at the bank. They married in 1959, and were married for 54 years. They had two children: son, Michael and daughter, Julie. Keith passed away in 2013.

When her children were in school, she was always a part of their activities. She served as den mother at Milner Crest, leader of 4-H group, leader of Boy Scouts, Blue Bird, Camp Fire, Job’s Daughters and supported any of the musical endeavors. She never missed any of their musical events, concerts and performances.

She also worked for Coast to Coast with Bill Campbell as they introduced the first microwaves to Coos County. She demonstrated microwave cooking at the Coos County Fair, cooking delicious food each and every day of the County Fair.

Caroline was very involved in community organizations. She was part of the PEO, chapter AS, a lifetime member of Eastern Star, Doric Chapter #53, past president of the board of directors for South Coast Hospice and was very involved with fundraising. She was also past president and treasurer of the Women of Emmanuel, a founding member of Sweet Adelines, Little Theater on the Bay Productions, and appeared in the Music Man twice as a “pick a little lady”!

She was very active member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church and especially enjoyed the Christmas bazaar and the annual rummage sales in order to raise money for the food cupboard and Christmas baskets for those less fortunate that need assistance.

Keith and Caroline owned the best sporting good store in Coos Bay for 40 plus years. Caroline worked at the store during busy times, along with Gaither and Evelyn Stewart (Keith’s parents) and their other employees; especially, Tom Steele, Caroline was his second mom. They liquidated the store in 1984 and had many adventures during retirement. They kept very busy fishing, sailing, clam digging, crabbing, picking mushrooms, hunting on the Rogue River and camping, singing and dancing. They enjoyed traveling and went on 25 cruises around the world.

Caroline will be missed by her PEO sisters and lots of relatives and friends, as she was always the life of the party. We are certain that she is singing and dancing in heaven. She is survived by son, Michael Stewart and wife, Cindy of Coos Bay; daughter, Julie and husband, Charles V. Goodwin III; grandson, Nicholas Goodwin of Yamhill, Oregon; nieces and nephews, Chris and Deryl Beebe, Marshall Beebe, Todd Beebe, Randy, Matt and Benjamin Heiken. John, Sally and Jane Helmken. Ronald Lowry and Susan McDonald and her remaining sibling Ruth Phillips.

She moved to Evergreen Court in 2015 and had many great times with her Evergreen family with music, singing and dancing to live music! She loved living at Evergreen for the many friends and activities. She will be missed. She taught her family to do unto others and always care about those who were less fortunate.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 29 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 400 Highland Avenue in Coos Bay.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

Memorial donations honoring Caroline’s life can be made to: South Coast Hospice, 1620 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420 or to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1028, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420.        

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