Ora Pate Stewart, 79, well-known author, composer, lecturer and entertainer, died of heart failure Feb. 10, 1990, at the home of a daughter in Salt Lake County.
Mrs. Stewart, who was born in Idaho and reared in Randolph, Rich County, and who had lived in Provo the last several years, wrote 29 books. Many still are in print or were best sellers. They include "Pages From the Book of Eve," "Branches Over the Wall," "God Planted a Tree" and "A Letter to My Son."She composed music for more than 200 songs, ranging from symphonic works and choral arrangements to pop and children's music. "To a Child," a religious selection, was published in 17 languages and sold more than 1 million copies.
Her book, "Gleanings," was honored by a New York publishers' organization as the "Best Poetry Book in the Nation." Mrs. Stewart had been honored by four U.S. presidents for her achievements in music, writing, genealogical research and entertainment and was named poet laureate by the World Congress of Poetry.
Mrs. Stewart was a Biblical and technical adviser to movie director Cecil B. DeMille on "The Ten Commandments." She was honored numerous times by Brigham Young University and had received seven honorary doctorate degrees.
Funeral will be held at noon Wednesday in the Pleasant View Third Ward, 650 E. Stadium (1800 North), Provo. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Berg Mortuary, 168 E. Center St., Provo, and at the church one hour before services Wednesday. Burial will be in the Provo City Cemetery.