Alta Beatrice Stewart Kretschmar, 92, of Ironton died April 14, 2017, in Des Peres. Mrs. Kretschmar worked as a switchboard operator for United Van Lines and later as the company’s receptionist. She was a member of the Fenton Baptist Church. Born Dec. 5, 1924, in Elvins, she was the daughter of the late Levi and Allie (Smith) Johnson. She was preceded in death by two husbands: Edward Weldon Stewart Jr. in 1958 and Kenneth H. Kretschmar in 2012.
She is survived by three children: Edward Weldon (Debby) Stewart III of Lesterville, Linda (Richard) Taylor of Ballwin and Brenda (Joe) Sumner of St. Mary; four stepchildren: Sharon (Bill) Young of Jasper, Ga., Tom (Dale) Kretschmar of Georgia, Kim (Brian) Soward of House Springs and Sandy Kretschmar of House Springs; a brother: Murphy Johnson of Wentzville; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by four brothers: John Johnson, Arnold Johnson, Pete Johnson and Issac Johnson; and two sisters: Betty Forsythe and infant Alma Johnson.
A funeral service was held April 18 at the Baptist Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Jim Wills. Burial was in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to Perry Animal Welfare Society, PO Box 29, Perryville, 63755; to Equine-Assisted Therapy, 3369 Highway 109, Wildwood, 63038; or to Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements were under the direction of Bryson Funeral Home in Pilot Knob.