WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Edith Marie Stone, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room.
She was born July 26, 1924, in Goshen, Ind., a daughter to the late Willard L. and Elizabeth (Schriener) Brown.
Edith had been a resident of Sturgis most of her life and had been employed by the Sturgis Credit Bureau for three years, the Gateway Shopper, and as office manager for Direct Lumber, Inc. in Burr Oak, for 21 years, retiring in 1980.
On Feb. 5, 1944, she married Robert W. Chapla. While serving in the U.S. Air Force during World War II he was M.I.A. on June 26, 1945 and was declared deceased one year later.
On Dec. 30, 1948, in Bristol, Ind., she married Wendell O. Stone. He preceded her in death on Jan. 9, 2004.
Edith was baptized in Burr Oak in the United Methodist Faith and was active with her high school graduating class of 1941. She was also an active member of the Sturgis Women’s Club, enjoyed creative writing, crafts, casino gambling, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and was an avid arm chair Michigan sports fan.
Surviving are one daughter, Vivian (Terry) VanNest of Sturgis; three sons, Richard Stone and family friend, Bob Lederman of Sturgis, John E. Stone of Sturgis, and Thomas P. Stone of Florida; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; and one brother, Willard L. Brown.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Edith M. Stone will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, at the Hackman Family Funeral Home – Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091 with the Rev. Deb Johnson, First United Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment will follow in Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak, MI. Memorial donations in her memory may be directed to the Sturgis Women’s Club, 1001 Walker Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
