Irene Stewart Ross

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Irene Stewart Ross on May 7, 2026, in Aransas Pass, Texas. She was 95 years old.

Irene was born on October 21, 1930, in Tucson, Arizona, to Preston and Hattie Belle Stewart. She grew up in Beeville along with 9 siblings in the community of Orangedale. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, William (PeeWee) Carl Ross.

Irene and PeeWee married on February 28, 1949. They were married for 54 years before PeeWee's passing in 2003. Together they raised 6 children. Irene is survived by their 6 children: Linda Mullins (Lloyd) of Aransas Pass, Texas; Sharon Turner of Cedar Park, Texas; Richard Ross (Kathleen) of Victoria, Texas; Randall Ross (Susan) of Columbus, Texas; Cynthia Ross of Aransas Pass, Texas; and Brenda Davis (John) of Texas City, Texas.

Irene is survived by 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild." Irene is preceded in death by one grandchild: Ross Alden Southmayd.

In addition to her parents and husband, Irene is preceded in death by 5 brothers: Edgar Preston Stewart, Tommy Refro Stewart, Robert Lee Stewart, John (Jack) Allen Stewart, and James Ray Stewart. She is also preceded in death by 3 sisters: Josephine Haynes, Ellen Ruth Mims, and Joyce Elaine Moody. Irene is survived by one sister Shirley Jane DeMoss of Chico, California and one sister-in-law Jeanette Stewart of Tyler, Texas.

Irene graduated from AC Jones High School. She went to work at the Ford Motor Company in Beeville until she married. Later after the sixth child left the nest, Irene went back to work for the Ford Motor Company of Beeville.

During that interim, Irene and PeeWee bought the Orangedale Community Center property and placed a house on the property. She lived there for 59 years only leaving just recently. This land is where Irene and her siblings went to elementary school. Irene planted trees. She loved her trees. She could tell you where every tree came from, and who gave it to her.

Family was Irene's first language. As the Stewart family historian, she knew every story, every birthday and every new leaf on the family tree. For many years, Irene sent birthday cards to extended family. She hosted many Stewart Family Reunions.

Irene was a devout Christian and member of the First Baptist Church of Beeville. She didn't just take six kids to Sunday school and church, drop them off so she could have a few hours to herself. She went with us. She passed her faith on to us for which we are eternally grateful.

Irene leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories. She was a warm and giving friend, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and a dedicated mother. She was a wise and wonderful woman. She always found a way to do whatever had to be done and make a good home for us. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Beeville, followed by a chapel service at 11 o'clock with Pastor Steven Spivey officiating. Burial will follow at the Beeville Memorial Park cemetery. 

Special thanks to Enhance Hospice of Corpus Christi, TX.