NEW BERLIN - Laura Beth Stone, died Sunday, February 22, 2009, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born January 4, 1946, in Danville, IL, to Harry and Norma (White) Lowe. Her parents preceded her in death as well as her nephew, Michael Lowe.
Laura graduated from the University of Illinois in 1969 with a bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education. For several years after graduation, she taught school until retiring to raise her family. Laura also worked for the Illinois Department of Public Aid as a case worker.
She is survived by her husband, Fred; and their five children, Gerald (Monica) Stone of Springfield; Thomas (Allison) McNicholas of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Michael (Shelly) McNicholas of Rochester, IL, Matthew (Ivorie) Stone of Stillwater, Oklahoma and Gregory (Christie) Stone of Missoula, Montana; She is also survived by two brothers, Jim (Libby) Lowe of Alpharetta, Georgia and Larry (Sherry) Lowe of Belleville, IL; and two cousins, Jane Kiggins of Indianapolis, Indiana and Julie (Richard) Teeple of Findley, Ohio; There are ten grandchildren and soon to be eleven.
Laura enjoyed being outdoors. She loved working in her flower garden and watching the birds. She also enjoyed quilting, reading and her pets, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She will be remembered by her loved ones as a funny and loving mother, grandmother, devoted wife and best friend.
Cremation rites will be accorded by the Bisch Crematory. A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., from 4-6 PM. Private graveside services will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Rev. Vaughn Beeman will officiate.
It is Laura's wish that no flowers be sent, rather memorials be directed to the Animal Protective League.
Please visit the online obituary where tributes and condolences may be left for the family at www.mem.com.
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Pat and Sarah Regan
March 3, 2009
Fred,
Sarah and I just learned of Laura's passing and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I cannot even come close to imagining your loss as you two were such a close loving couple.
Richard Yong
March 2, 2009
Dear Mike,
I learned of your mom's passing at church yesterday. Know that I am thinking of you and your family and praying that you will all be healed soon. May you find comfort and peace knowing that your beloved mother has gone to a place where she will know no suffering but only joy.
God bless,
Richard Yong
Mike Cummins
February 28, 2009
Dear Fred: I was at the Goof Party tonight and I just heard. I feel awful that I did not read the paper this week and did not come to the service. You and Laura are the salt of the earth! She will be greatly missed! If there is ever anything I can do for you I would drop everything and do it in a minute. I mean it! I am so sorry! I will talk to you soon.
Jan Sables
February 27, 2009
Dear Fred and Family,
So very sorry to hear about Laura! Rog and I send our sympathy to all of you -we're out of town for a week or so-Remember fun times on the tennis courts with Laura !
Jan and Roger Sables
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lori robinson
February 26, 2009
Mike,Shelly & kids:
We were sorry to hear about the loss of your mom/grandma.
Our prayers are with you & your family.
Dave,Lori,Nikki, & Sean Robinson
Jeff & Sally Gebhardt
February 25, 2009
Jerry and family,
Jeff and I are so sorry to hear about your mom. Please let us know if you need anything.
You are in our hearts and prayers
Judy Wisnasky
February 25, 2009
To Fred and the family:
Was so sad to hear about Laura. Have great memories of her and you, Fred, of our bridge days in Springfield. So much fun and great laughs. Laura was someone who enjoyed her life to the fullest, as we all should. She had a way to bring the best out in everyone. God Bless Her.
Carolyn Stine
February 24, 2009
To Laura's family,
I was fortunate to meet Laura a few years ago through our love of quilting. She was delightful to be around and had a wonderful, sunny disposition. She always was in a good mood. Her sense of humor was terrific! She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Diane Rinderknecht-Presnell
February 24, 2009
To the Stone Family-Laura was a very special, fun loving person as I remember our days together at Pana High School. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Janice Butler
February 24, 2009
To Laura's family: I played tennis with Laura way back in the '80s and considered her a special friend. She was a "trip" to be around--so spontaneous and witty. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of a good soul who left us all too soon.
Lori Jackson
February 24, 2009
To the Stone Family,
You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. We are friends with Jerry and Monica Stone and wanted to let the family know that they are in our prayers...
Lori and Luke Jackson
Dave Jackson
February 24, 2009
Fred and Family
Although we knew each other only a short time, Her wonderful laugh and ability to bring everyone together and feel like family will stay with me forever. I am lucky to have had her in my life.
Connie Collins Alexander
February 24, 2009
Fred and family, I send my most heartfelt sympathy to you. Laura was such a delightful friend to all of us in her class as were her parents before her to my mother in Pana. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Blessings, Rev. Connie (Collins) Alexander
Peerless Cleaners Inc.
February 24, 2009
To Mike and his entire family:
Please accept our deepest sympathy on your mother's passing. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue Edwards
February 24, 2009
Fred and Family:
May the happy memories you shared in this lifetime carry you through until you meet again.
Sue Edwards
J. T. Vaughn
February 24, 2009
Laura was an elegant classmate with a glowing spirit. Sincere condolences to her loved ones.
Suane Stroup
February 24, 2009
There are days when I hardly have time to read our local newspaper; today was a bittersweet exception. I sit here at the computer feeling the weight of disbelief and sadness, uncertain that the message I send will adequately convey my profound respect and sorrow for the Stone Family. To Fred and family I offer heartfelt sympathy; may you be comforted by the sweetest memories and the knowledge that Laura's spirit will soar in the lives of those she loves.
To where you are, Laura: I light a candle in fond remembrance as I quietly recall the circumstances by which our lives intersected. You and Fred never failed to offer encouragement and assistance in the months I helped care for my two princes, Max and Mick. You offered me friendship, insight, and your wonderful sense of humor. I loved your laugh and I'm remembering it now as I think about our drive to Monica's bridal shower ... sharing stories and laughing 'til we cried! For this and so much more, I celebrate your life, grateful for the opportunity to have known you. My friend, you were the "ROCK" among the Stones.
To Jerry, Monica, and all the "princes": I wrap my arms around you with love and support this day and those that follow. May God bless and ease the pain of this loss.
Always in my heart, Suane
Mary Margaret (Smith) Bringle
February 24, 2009
Fred & Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Your School Classmates
Mary Margaret & Don (Buz) Bringle
Rosemary Leistner
February 24, 2009
Dear Fred and Family,
We were shocked to learned that Laura has passed on. Please know how much our thoughts are with you all. We have had so many absolutely wonderful times together over the years, creating great memories of Laura. We are here in Naples for the winter months and are sorry that we will be unable to be with you all on Wednesday. Much love, Bob and Rosemary
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