Obituary

Vernice Pauline Stone, 88

Verncie Pauline Stone was born near Petigrew, Arkansas, January 15, 1911. She was the fourth of five children born to Otis and Arlevia Johnson. At one year of age, her family moved to Kingfisher, Oklahoma, and then at the age of four they moved to a homestead 13 miles northwest of Fowler. She attended school through the eighth grade at Lakeview, a one room school, four miles from her home.

She married at 16 years of age, and to this union two children were born, Merl and Mary Lou. After this marriage dissolved she obtained a job at Karval working for the Frank Crossens. It was during this period she met Roy Stone. They married on December 28, 1933. Two children were born to this marriage, Lola and Vernon. During the first five years of their married life, they lived seven miles southwest of Karval. In 1938, they moved to their home two miles west of Karval. They continued to live there until Roy=s death in 1985. Vernice continued to live at Karval until November, 1987, at which time she became unable to live alone. The next five years she lived with each of her four children. In 1992, she was placed in the Weisbrod Nursing Home in Eads, where she remained there until her death.

Vernice was a hard working lady with a strong personality. She loved people, especially her family. There was always time in her life to take care of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed having people stop in for a meal. No matter how many or how short the notice, she always seemed to be prepared and could feed any number that arrived.

God and her church were always very important to her. As a youth growing up, church attendance Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings was never up for debate. It came first, then other plans could be attended to.

The first indication that her mind was beginning to fail was when she began missing Sunday morning meetings. This was completely out of character for her, so her family was sure she was beginning to have problems at that time.

It was very disheartening to watch her decline from the pillar of strength that kept everyone else propped up, to the point where she was unable to converse with family and friends.

Vernice was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Elza and Holly; one sister, Dorlas; her husband, Roy; and daughter, Mary Lou.

Mrs. Stone passed away on April 7, 1999, at Weisbrod Hospital in Eads, at the age of 88. She is survived by her children, Merl (Lola) Thomas of Pueblo, Lola (Chuck) Igou of Eads, and Vernon (Mona) Stone of Hugo; nine grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 10 step grandchildren; and one brother, Paul (Marteal) Johnson of Grand Junction.

Funeral services for Vernice P. Stone were held Sunday, April 11, 1999, at the Karval School in Karval with Leslie White, Roxi Cotten and Kathy Glazebrook officiating. Kevin Hartman, Karen Hartman and Chuck Igou were accompanied by Roger Hartman as they provided the musical selections AOnly Trust In Jesus,@ AGod Hath Not Promised,@ and AI Will Leave It all To Jesus.@ Serving as casket bearers were: Marty Adams, Dolan Gram, David McDaniel, Kenny Book, Denny Igou, Brandon Igou, Steve Uhland, Merlin Thomas and Eli Abordo.

Following the service, the large gathering of family and friends went in procession to the Karval Cemetery where the final committal services were held. A time of refreshments and meal was provided by the community for the family and their friends.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.