Mary K. (Carrothers) Hardin-Stewart of Tupelo, Arkansas, departed this life on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of 82. She was born April 12, 1943, in Joplin, Missouri, the daughter of Omer Louis and Gertrude (Webb) Carrothers.
Mary K. was a graduate of Joplin High School. She then went on to further her education at Linden Wood College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Chemistry. Mary K. had a sharp mind and was a perfectionist, qualities that would serve her well throughout her life. She worked side by side with her first husband, Jack, on Hardin Farms, beginning in 1964 until his passing in 2002. Mary K. continued operating the farm until 2020. Their legacy of hard work and her dedication will live on for generations.
Mary K. loved working with young people and was proud to found the Jackson County 4-H Horse & Pony Club. The club helped teach children responsibility and sportsmanship while they grew in their confidence and skill. Her love of horses was a big part of her life as she and Jack raised quarter horses. Mary K. was also a member of the Merchants and Planters Bank Board.
Mary K. was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Mary K. enjoyed reading and planning her next trip. She was fortunate to explore places all over the world, seeing new sights, and meeting new people. Mary K. will be remembered for her intelligence and strong work ethic.
Mary K. is preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Kennedy Hardin, Sr.; her second husband, Lynn Thomas Stewart; one son, Jack Kennedy Hardin, Jr.; and a brother, Omer Louis Carrothers, Jr.
She is survived by her son, Millard C. Hardin, of Newport; her daughter-in-law, Susan Morrison, of Diaz; four grandchildren, Hannah Marie Hardin Simpson and husband, Andy, William Coy Hardin and wife, Makenzie, Joseph Jack Hardin and wife, Jordan, and Matthew Millard Hardin and wife, Sarah; and twelve great-grandchildren, Lana, Cache, and Cain Simpson, Stella, Sawyer, Jack, and Joe James “JJ” Hardin, Noah and Trent Hardin, and Bellamy, Whitt, and Wilks Hardin.
Graveside services for Mary K. will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 13, 2026, at Walnut Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Teresa Cantrell officiating. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday, beginning at 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Will Hardin, Matt Hardin, Joe Hardin, Andy Simpson, and Randy Morrison, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are all the past and present employees of Hardin Farms.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Woodruff County Health Center for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 301 Hazel St., Newport, AR 72112 or Woodruff County Health Center at 139 West Hwy 64, McCrory, AR 72101.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
