Longtime Special Olympics Volunteer Laura Stewart Dies at 69

Stewart was a trailblazer for women's sports and a dedicated community member.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Laura Ruth Stewart, a 69-year-old resident of Benton, Illinois, passed away on March 6, 2026, at the Herrin Hospital Emergency Room. Stewart was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School, where she was the first female athlete to place in the state track and field competition. She went on to compete in track and field at Illinois State University before an injury ended her collegiate career. For 35 years, Stewart was a dedicated volunteer with the Special Olympics of Illinois. She was also an avid sports fan, rooting for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Denver Broncos.

Why it matters

Stewart's life and accomplishments highlight the progress made in women's sports over the past several decades, as well as the lasting impact that dedicated community members can have through volunteering. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and service.

The details

In high school, Stewart was an outstanding student and the first female athlete from Benton Consolidated High School to place in the state track and field competition, taking third place in the discus in 1974. She went on to compete in track and field at Illinois State University until an injury ended her collegiate career. For 35 years, Stewart was the highest non-paid key volunteer with the Special Olympics of Illinois. She was also an avid sports fan, rooting for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Denver Broncos.

  • Laura Ruth Stewart was born on August 6, 1956 in Benton, Illinois.
  • She graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1974.
  • In 1974, she was the first female athlete from BCHS to place in the State of Illinois Track and Field Competition, taking third place in the discus.
  • She competed in track and field at Illinois State University until an injury ended her collegiate career.
  • Stewart passed away on March 6, 2026 at the age of 69.

The players

Laura Ruth Stewart

A 69-year-old resident of Benton, Illinois who was a trailblazer for women's sports and a dedicated volunteer with the Special Olympics of Illinois for 35 years.

Benton Consolidated High School

The high school that Stewart attended, where she was the first female athlete to place in the state track and field competition.

Illinois State University

The university where Stewart competed in track and field until an injury ended her collegiate career.

Special Olympics of Illinois

The organization that Stewart volunteered with for 35 years, serving as their highest non-paid key volunteer.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The women's basketball team that Stewart was an avid fan of in recent years.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

The college sports team that Stewart became a fan of, especially of player #33 Amiah Hargrove.

Denver Broncos

The NFL team that Stewart was an avid fan of.

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What they’re saying

“Laura enjoyed cooking meals for her family and traveling abroad with family members and friends. She loved attending sporting events, especially women's basketball where she rooted for the South Carolina Gamecocks, however in recent years she became a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan especially of #33 Amiah Hargrove.”

— Unspecified (wmclradio.com)

The takeaway

Stewart's life and legacy demonstrate the important role that dedicated community members can play in supporting and uplifting others, particularly through volunteering. Her story also highlights the progress made in women's sports over the past several decades, as she was a trailblazer for female athletes in her high school and collegiate careers.