Shirley Anne Van Stone

FUNERAL HOME

Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. - Santa Rosa

1225 Sonoma Avenue

Santa Rosa, California

Shirley Van Stone Obituary

Passed away at home on September 14, 2010 surrounded by her family after a long struggle with lymphoma. Shirley was born November 10, 1932 in Santa Maria, California. In June, 1950, she married Alvin Van Stone and moved to Sonoma County in 1951 to start a family. Shirley was a devoted mother of four who generously gave her time to the Church, school, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTA, Little League and her work. Shirley was incredibly passionate about working with and educating young children. For over 25 years she served as director at the First Presbyterian Preschool. Countless children and their parents have been forever touched by her warmth and insight. Shirley had an uncanny way of making everyone feel special and held gently in her unwavering confidence. Throughout her life, Shirley extended her passion for working with children by volunteering at schools. She read with students, assisted in classrooms, went on fieldtrips, taught quilting, she continued to share her wonderful gift of educating children and making each child feel special, heard and safe. After retirement, she cherished the time she had with her husband of 56 years traveling, camping, hiking and loving her family. Whether it be watching a ball game, reading a story or baking, her grandchildren were a great sense of joy for her. Shirley is survived by her four children, Ronald, Jeffery, Matthew and Christina; her grandchildren, Ronald Jr., Michael, Cade, Casey, and Cole; her sister, Edna Mae Gobel; and her special nieces Penny and Mary Beth and their families. Thank you, Mom, for your quiet, simple commitment to knowing and loving us...each of us. For always having our favorite cookies, for your patience, for never missing a game or event, for adoring us. We spent every day feeling like we were everything to you, but you were everything to us. We love you. At her request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, she requested that her passion for children and education be remembered with donations to The First Presbyterian Preschool and The Village Charter School. A special thank you to the people at Memorial Hospice for your kind support and guidance. DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 707-525-3730

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Published by Press Democrat from Sep. 18 to Sep. 21, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Van Stone

7 Entries

Rita Mathis

September 21, 2010

In 1965 and for the next eighteen years we were the Van Stone''s neighbors. Shirley not only welcomed us to the neighborhood but she took the time to introduce me to my other neighbors and to fill me in on the school. Our kids were close in age, became friends, and then there were all those birthday parties. I always admired Shirley for her dedication to her profession. Often in the evenings I'd trot down to her house to discuss something with her only to find her on the phone doing her best to reassure one of her nursery school parents that everything was ok. She was admired by everyone in the neighborhood. We are truly sorry to hear of her passing. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, and especially to Ron, Jeff, Matt, and Christina.

Rita Mathis, Kevin Mathis, Marc Mathis and Family

Don Roberts

September 20, 2010

What a wonderful lady and friend. She was my cub scout leader and a friend of my Mom Novella. Now they both can see each other in heaven where good people get to be.Thank Mrs. Van Stone for the memories.

Diane Pedrotti

September 19, 2010

Wow! another incredible woman has left this Earth. I can't even begin to say how sad I am for this news. Shirley was the best Brownie/Girl Scout troop leader there ever was. I would not have had the knowledge I have today if it wasn't for all her hard work. Her smile and encouragement will be missed at all the boy's baseball games. My love and prayers go out to her family. Losing mom is not easy. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Love and Blessings,
Diane Pedrotti-Carter

Brenda Pappan

September 19, 2010

Wonderful memories of you sharing so much of yourself with me and my pre schoolers.
Peace and Love, Brenda,Lora and Steve

Elizabeth and children Ryan and Melissa

September 18, 2010

Shirley- I will always remember you sitting in the hallway of the First Presbyterian Pre School in your little chair giving away big hugs and giant words of encouragement to every child that passed. I don't think you ever missed a day. Your early childhood education programs, lending library, the observation window, the parent meetings and your intelligent passion for helping parents raise happy healthy children made a lifelong impression on our family. Thank you Shirley for your years of dedicated service to the families of our community. We are all better people for knowing you. And thank you Van Stone family for sharing this wonderful woman with us. You are in our prayers.

Linda Albert

September 18, 2010

Your mom was a good friend as well as a mentor to those who followed her in the field of early education. Those of us who work at Presbyterian Preschool will always be grateful for her support and listening ear. We could depend on her honest feedback and the wisdom of her many years working with children. More than that, we grew to love her. Our sincere condolences in your loss.

Lori Anderson-Tel

September 18, 2010

I never knew anyone more devoted to family than Shirley. She clearly will be remembered with countless treasured memories. I wish the whole family peaceful, healing hearts that are inspired to pass her loving lifestyle on. May you all be well.

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