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Benjamin Stokes Obituary
Stokes
Benjamin Andrew Stokes, died suddenly on Sunday, October 1, 2006. He was born July 1, 1982, graduated from Jackson High School in 2000 and was studying history at Kent State University. Ben had a great sense of humor and a passion for cooking. Survived by his loving mother and her partner, Annette Stokes and Randy Kiley; his loving sister, Keri Stokes; stepbrothers, Andrew and Phillip Kiley; grandfather and grandmother, Richard and Marge Engelmann; grandfathers, Reese Armstrong and James Stokes; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by his father, Thomas Stokes; grandmothers, Dahlia Armstrong and Marian Stokes. Per his wishes, Ben will be cremated and his ashes scattered near his father's. There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Chapel, 8151 Stuhldreher St., Massillon. A gathering will follow at the family home, 8223 Stuhldreher St., Massillon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help cover expenses. To quote one of Ben's favorites:
"You may say I'm a dreamer -- But I'm not the only one --
I hope someday you'll join us -- And the world will live as one".
"GO BROWNS"
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Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Stokes
Ben George
October 18, 2006
I knew Ben from Kent-Stark. Who knew we'd meet again a few years later at Christ Presbyterian...Ben, I pray for your family and I pray that you are at peace.
David Bowers
October 16, 2006
God bless you ben, through high school and afterwards you have been and always will be a friend and brother to me. I love you man and I'll see you again. Till then we will live you dreams.
Gina Patterson
October 11, 2006
It's taken me a long time to write anything here. I still don't know what to say except that I miss Ben so much. He was such a wonderful and real person and a joy to be around.
Even after the services, it's still hard to believe he's gone, that there will be no more calls or visits.
Ben once said that if we saw time for what it really is, we'd see it streching off into eternity. I hope he's right. I hope that, somehow, he's with all of us -- even though we can't see him.
I love you, Ben!
Tim, Linda, Jason and Kate Harrity
October 10, 2006
Annette, Randy and Keri,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and in our prayers. Let us know if you need anything now or in the future.Love Tim, Linda, Jason and Kate
Bret Blackstock
October 7, 2006
One
can only hope to be as good of a person as Ben. I knew him best as a
student at Amherst Elementary School. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Thomas Douce
October 7, 2006
To the Family of Ben Stokes,
I have just learned of Ben's death from one of our students. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of deep loss. In reading the sentiments posted, Ben obviously touched many lives with his love and spirit.
Tom Douce, Interfaith Campus Minister, Kent Stark
Erin (Jones) Raper
October 7, 2006
I met Ben in middle school and even peer-tutored him in English. He was a person who was friendly to everyone he met and I'm sad to hear about his departure. He was a wonderful person and will obviously be missed by many people.
Christy Rowan
October 7, 2006
Ben has been one of my best friends for the last 5 years. We met at Kent when both of us were going through some hard times. I tried my best to be his stable ground, and whether he knew it or not, he was mine.
Anytime I needed anything, no matter what Ben was doing, he was here for me. He didn't need to know you to love you, and he would do anything for anyone. And when it seemed that he had nothing left to give, somehow he found the courage and the way.
He touched the lives of everyone he met, and he will be missed by many.
My heart and deepest sympathies go out to Ben's family and all of his many friends.
Joseph DuPlain
October 7, 2006
"For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity."
--William Penn
My prayers and wishes are with all of you.
Cathy Rowan
October 7, 2006
I knew Ben for such a short time but he left a great impact on our lives he was a wonderful person a friend to all of us it hurts my heart to know he is gone and we will only have our memories with him .I know he is in a good place and at peace.Our thoughts and prayers are with you .We will miss him so much.
Shaylla Smith
October 6, 2006
Keri and Family..
I know i didnt know your brother but i will keep you and your family in my prayer.. Call me for anything Keri.
kathleen bendura
October 6, 2006
dear annette,randy&keri,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.I hope that Ben has found peace. We love you and if there's anything we can do, just call. love to you all. mark&kathy
Debbie Slanoc
October 6, 2006
Dear Annette & Keri:
I am filled with a sense of deep sadness over the loss of Ben. My prayer for him is that he is at last at peace with himself and in a better place. I know that Dahlia is with him and will guide him through his next journey loving him as only a grandmother can.
Shelley Blundell
October 6, 2006
Ben and I had a couple of classes together at Kent State Stark and I always thought he was a great guy. His offbeat sense of humor and excellent taste in music made us firm friends fast, and I will definitely miss him. My thoughts go out to you all in your time of loss.
Shelley Blundell (Canton, OH)
[email protected]
Jesse Bergmann
October 6, 2006
Dear Keri, Annette, and Randy,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Ben was a great person with a great personality. My thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything I can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mike & Mary McCraith
October 5, 2006
Dear cousins,
We know the pain you are feeling,Ben and Dominic and all the family are watching us now.Someday we will all meet again. All our love.
Scott Stokes
October 5, 2006
Ben was so helpful to his father when he was sick. Ben and Tom lived together in life and are now joined together in a better place. It is so hard to believe Ben really is gone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Keri and Annette. May Ben finally be at peace.
linda gurganus
October 5, 2006
Dear Annette , Keri and Randy,Please know how very sorry we are to hear of your loss. I am here for you if you need anything. My thoughts and prayers are with you..Sincerely Linda Pat and Mike
Brian Ebie
October 5, 2006
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted"
Matthew 5: 3-5
Ben was a wonderful friend who seemed happiest when he was bringing joy to those around him. Who could forget the "Chef of Love"... Ben will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Brett Householder
October 5, 2006
Dear Annette and Family,
I knew Ben when he was in high school. I was the Youth Director at Christ Presbyterian Church. I really enjoyed spending time with Ben. He was a lot of fun to be with! I hope in this time that God will bring you His peace. Know that you are loved and that many are praying for you.
Stephen Norris
October 5, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you Ben and with your family. You were a great friend and always a joy to be around.
LISA GOODING
October 5, 2006
Keri,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you,at this time of your loss. If you need anything please don't hesitate to call me!
Vince Conant
October 5, 2006
Ben was an awesome person, I would occasionally see him out around jackson after we graduated. Every time we met we always had great conversation. He had views on everything, he was like that though, a joy to be around. I will miss him. My condolences and prayers go out to you as you grieve.
Matt Montgomery
October 4, 2006
"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."
-E. E. Cummings
Not a day went by growning up that Ben wasn't smiling. It was almost as if that smile was contagious. Ben will always have a special place in my childhood memories. I know he's up there watching down over all of us. God Bless.
Rayanne Kotema
October 4, 2006
I knew Ben well, my prayers are with you.
Georgia, Mike & Chris Campanelli
October 4, 2006
Annette & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Ben. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you.
Frank Otello
October 4, 2006
Ben, you are also forever in our hearts. We had a great time together when you and Keri came to see California. Ben got to see the Pacific Ocean. love and peace Frank, Michiko, Mike, Paul, Kevin and Kimberly Otello
Evan Knappenberger
October 4, 2006
In times like these,words are insufficient, but on this side of heaven they'll have to do. I happened to see Ben at a restaurant last year. We caught up on our lives and reminisced about our days at Jackson. He blessed me with one of the greatest conversations I've ever had. That's the way Ben was and had always been. He just glowed with an unassuming kind of love, and he was truly a beautiful person. To Ben's family, I send my humble condolences. May God bless you and hold you close as you grieve.
Jen Herrick
October 4, 2006
Like Lindsay, Ben and I go all the way back to the Amherst days. I remember him as always being a kind, sweet presence, trying to make people smile and laugh. And of course there was the memorable "Love Chef" at graduation :-) Such a person will always be missed. My thoughts are with Ben's family and friends in this tough time.
Ron Gatts
October 4, 2006
Annette,Randy and family Our prayers and thoughts are with you.So sorry for your lost. Ron and Marge
Tom and Debbie Tripepi
October 4, 2006
Annette and Keri,
Ben was such a kind respectful young man,he may be gone from our sight but he will remain in our hearts forever. Take comfort in knowing Ben is at peace, and one day we will all be reunited. You will be in our thought and our prayers. Love, Tom and Debbie
Meghan Snider
October 4, 2006
Keri, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your brother. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Tricia Reisinger
October 4, 2006
Ben was always smiling and never with negativity. A wonderful person will be missed. My heart goes out to the family of friends of Ben. He will be missed.
Barbara Barthel
October 4, 2006
Dear Annette and Keri,
Shawn, Shannon and I are so sorry for your loss. We will remember Ben as the terrific kid next door. God bless you all.
Ryan Dunnerstick
October 4, 2006
Keep the rock rollin' with our Maestro, Ben. Thanks for the memories. God Bless.
Lindsay Russell
October 4, 2006
I've known Ben since my first day or first grade and he was such a lovely person. I am truly grateful to have known him and to have been friends with him. We were in school together and school plays together and I will always hold those great memories close to my heart. I am truly sorry for your loss and my prayers are with your family. Ben with be greatly missed but remembered for the great person he was and joyful personality he had. Much love
Lindsay N. Russell
Katherine Miner
October 4, 2006
Ben was always sweet and respectful...one of the first to offer support. We graduated in the same class from Jackson. Please know your family is in my thoughts.
douglas maxwell
October 4, 2006
I am so very sorry for your loss
Art Olgin
October 4, 2006
Our hearts go out to you at this very difficult time.
We are here for your family and are
also missing Ben.
Art & Mari
Love, Cindy and Tony
October 4, 2006
Annette and Keri,
Words can't express our heartbreak and sorrow. We'll miss Ben very much, and he will always be in our hearts.
Lisa Moser - Lowden
October 4, 2006
My heart goes out to your family
I haven't seen any of you for several years but I have fond memories of Ben,Keri & Annette
May God bless you & guide you on this difficult path
Katy Jacobs
October 4, 2006
Dear Ben.
We met when you came to work for Dunkin Donuts and instantly I made a friend I'll cherish for life. You made each day a day to cherish.
You became my "adopted" son. I will always remember and love you. May you find happiness with God.
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