Nelda J. Stewart Vanderheider passed away Oct. 11, 2014, in New Orleans.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Ruan (Kevin); brother, Joey Stewart (Sandra); niece, JoAnna Stewart; nephew, Matt Seale; and three grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Asa and Rachael Stewart; her sister, Cindi Stewart Seale; and her husband, Ray.

Nelda was born and raised in Bogalusa and was a member of Lee’s Creek Baptist Church in her youth. She became a Pan American Airlines stewardess and world traveler. She was a former president of Jefferson Parish Republican Women in New Orleans, where she lived for many years.