Loretta Stewart Death and Obituary – The community of Nortonville, Kansas, is mourning the tragic death of 67-year-old Loretta Stewart, who lost her life in a fatal head-on collision on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Jefferson County. The accident occurred on K-4 Highway, a stretch of road that has seen multiple serious accidents in recent years.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), Stewart was driving southbound in the northbound lane of K-4 Highway when her vehicle collided head-on with another car carrying two adults and two children. The impact was severe, and emergency responders pronounced Stewart dead at the scene. Authorities are still investigating why Stewart’s vehicle was traveling in the wrong direction at the time of the crash.
The two adults and two children in the other vehicle were transported to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Their identities have not yet been released to the public as family notifications are ongoing. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that all occupants of the second vehicle were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision, which likely helped prevent further fatalities.
Local residents and officials have expressed shock and sadness over the loss. Stewart was described as a kind and community-minded woman who had lived in Nortonville for many years. Friends and neighbors recalled her as someone who always had a smile and a helping hand for others. Many in the small Jefferson County community have begun leaving messages of condolence on social media, expressing heartbreak over the sudden loss.
Authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant, especially when driving at night or in unfamiliar areas. Wrong-way crashes, though rare, are often deadly because of the high speeds and direct impact involved. The KHP has not released details on whether alcohol, fatigue, or a medical emergency may have played a role in the crash but confirmed that a full investigation is underway.
Funeral arrangements for Loretta Stewart are expected to be announced in the coming days. Family members have asked for privacy as they cope with the devastating loss of their loved one.
It is important to note that Loretta Stewart should not be confused with the actress Loretta Swit, known for her iconic role in the hit TV series MASH*. Swit passed away earlier in May 2025, at the age of 87, reportedly from natural causes.
The tragic death of Loretta Stewart serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road. The community of Nortonville and surrounding Jefferson County residents are coming together to support one another as they remember a woman whose kindness and warmth touched many lives.
