“And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13 Living a life that reflected faith, hope, and above all love—the very fruits of the Spirit that shaped her gentle heart—Wilma Jean Steward, 69, of Bellville, passed away unexpectedly Monday evening, February 9, 2026, in the emergency department at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
The daughter of Dalton Joe Hollar and Edna (Cole) Carroll, Wilma was born February 25, 1956, in Fort Benning, Georgia. As a young girl, she moved to the Bellville area and later graduated from Clear Fork High School.
True to the Scripture she cherished, Wilma’s life was marked by love, gentleness, goodness, and a quiet, steadfast faith that touched all who knew her. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…” – Galatians 5:22 Wilma was gentle, thoughtful, and giving—she truly did not have a mean bone in her body. She loved Jesus deeply and was a devoted prayer warrior, faithfully lifting her family and friends before the Lord. Her love was unconditional and effortless. She was caring, open, and always available. Wilma was never judgmental and her quiet strength was found in kindness and grace.
She found joy in God’s creation. Wilma loved horses and took great pride in raising them. She enjoyed fishing—whether at a local pond or along the shores of Lake Erie—and treasured time spent outdoors, including deer hunting. Boating brought her happiness, as well as her collection of lighthouses, each reflecting the constant light she was to others. She shared a special bond with her beloved German Shepherd, Junior, a faithful companion through the years.
Wilma also shared an especially close relationship with her sister, Jennifer “Jan” Neighbors. Together they created cherished memories boating and playing video games late into the evening, their laughter a constant soundtrack to their time together.
Wilma worked as a waitress and was formerly employed at Hi-Stat in Lexington. Yet her greatest focus, delight, and privilege were found in her roles as wife, mom, and grandma. Her family was her world. Wilma was their pillar of support—always present, always listening, always loving.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Roger Steward; her children, Keith (Lisa) Williams, Nathan (Trisha) Williams, and Michelle Williams; stepchildren whom she embraced with open arms, Brian Steward, Brad (Melanie) Steward, and Bret (Lori) Steward; 28 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Susan Hollar and Jennifer “Jan” Neighbors; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Alan Hollar, and sister, Sherry Swank.
Friends may call Monday, February 16, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. Pastor Rob Kurtz will officiate. Burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to assist the family with funeral expenses. Checks may be made payable to Snyder Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 338, Bellville, Ohio 44813. Donations may be made online on Wilma’s obituary page via the Snyder Funeral Homes Crowd Funding link.
Though her passing was sudden, the legacy Wilma leaves is steady and sure—a life rooted in faith, overflowing with love, and rich in the fruits of the Spirit. Strong in faith, Wilma lived her favorite life verse and has now accepted her reward: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3: 5 & 6)
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com