Granis Virginia Stewart (Pugh), aged 98, of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away peacefully on the evening of November 21, 2025.

Granis was born in Bloomery, Hampshire County, West Virginia, daughter of Ira Russel Pugh and Hilda Marie (Omps) Pugh on March 5, 1927. She grew up on her parents' farm, situated on the Virginia - West Virginia border near the slopes of Bear Garden Mountain, and as an adult she enjoyed recalling her childhood on the farm, including milking the cows by hand and riding through the snow to school on a horse. She graduated from Capon Bridge High School in 1945 and attended Business College in Winchester VA, looking forward to a career in the city. Granis achieved her goal, finding a job in Washington D.C. with the US Internal Revenue Service. While working in Washington, she met Earl Edward Stewart, a World War II veteran and they were married on July 6, 1946 in Frederick VA. Granis and Earl moved to Fargo, ND in 1953 where they began raising their four children. The family moved to Iowa City, Iowa for six years, returning to Fargo in 1969 where she spent the rest of her life until she moved in her later years to Detroit Lakes to be near her son Michael. Granis was a dedicated member of First Methodist Church in Fargo, where she was fondly known as one of the "rummage sale ladies". At home, she had an almost miraculous way with plants, which flourished at her touch.

Granis is survived by her four children, son, Michael Edward Stewart (Michelle) of Detroit Lakes, MN, son, David Earl Stewart of Todos Santos, Guatemala, son, Mark Thomas Stewart (Laurie) of Lino Lakes, MN, and daughter, Granis Jane Stewart of Charlestown RI; five grandchildren, Thomas (Kate), Eric (Esther), Peter (Nicky), Paul, and Sydney; as well as six great grandchildren, Eddie, Charlie, Alec, Ivan, Rose, and Maya; siblings, Monna Lou Ethel Pugh of Winchester, VA, and Marion Leroy Pugh of Cross Junction, VA; and many nieces and nephews. Granis was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her sister, Doris Marie; and her brother, Albert Russel.

A private family ceremony will be held in Fargo to lay Granis to rest with the ashes of her beloved husband Earl. The family will also be gathering this spring for a memorial service for Granis.

Instead of sending a memorial gift, we think Granis would have liked for people to make donations to their local food shelves.