Shirley C. Stewart, 79, of Wyomissing Hills, died Thursday, September 6, 2012 in the Reading Hospital, where she was a patient since September 2. She was the wife of Samuel E. Stewart. They were married on June 12, 1948 and celebrated 64 years of marriage.

Born in Shoemakersville, she was the daughter of the late Ralph L. and Edith (Long) Becker. She was a member of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Perry Twp. Shirley loved gardening, flowers, and especially her family.

Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters: Karen D. (Stewart), wife of Larry T. Knouse, Exeter Twp.; and Bonnie S. (Stewart), wife of Samuel E. Shirley, Marietta, Georgia. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Stephanie D., wife of Steven Schumaker; Jenni R. Hill; Ryan M., husband of Annette Kutz; Bradley J. Stewart; Allison L., wife of James Hancik; Samantha J. Knouse; and Kristyn M. Stewart; five great-grandchildren: Katelyn and Kyle Schumaker; Evan and Nathan Karasek; and Talula Hancik; and daughter-in-law: Jean M. (Lehman) Good, Hamburg. Shirley was predeceased by a son: Gerald R. Stewart, died December 20, 1988; grandson: Jereme B. Zerbe; sisters: Evelyn Becker; Dorothy Hunsicker; and Jean Hartman; and brother: Charles Becker.

Services were private at the convenience of the family. Burial was in St. Paul's (Smoke) Cemetery, Windsor Twp. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Avenue, Reading, PA 19605. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg was in charge arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.