Clara Stone

Clara Elizabeth "Dolly" Stone, Queen of Sass and Silly, passed her crown down to her daughter and granddaughters on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Dolly proudly made it to her favorite number-"92," plus one-reaching the age of 93. She was born December 20, 1932, in Keshena to the late Henry Martin and Grace (Grignon) Martin, and remained a lifelong resident of the community she loved.

A true Keshena original, Dolly could often be found at her old stomping grounds-Wilber's and Pug Coon's-with her chums, or gathered with siblings, cousins, and her many nieces and nephews. On April 9, 1977, she married Louis Stone, becoming part of Menominee County history as the first couple married at the Menominee County Courthouse by Menominee Judge Wilmer Peters. Together, they enjoyed many slow cruises around the rez-usually disguised as errands.

For nearly 40 years, her most cherished title was "Grandma." She embraced it fully, filling sleepovers, sick days, after-school afternoons, and summer days with candy, gas-station treats, Pringles, apple slices with salt, and a cold can of Mountain Dew-occasionally topped off with a hug jug. Every piece of artwork made for her was saved and proudly displayed on her walls.

Dolly kept her television show schedule meticulously planned, often recruiting help to turn the antenna just right-figure skating was always a favorite. When she wasn't watching her shows, she shared her love of puzzles, crosswords, and Chinese checkers with her granddaughters.

She hummed while doing her daily tasks-a habit that now lives on sweetly as her great-grandchildren begin to do the same. She was known for her love of candy and chocolate, always keeping a bowl ready for visitors and making sure no one left without at least a pocketful-and often a discreet "grandma hand slide" of cash.

From her back porch, Dolly cared for what felt like "92 generations" of stray cats. She also cared deeply for people, showing her love by holding onto just about everything, "just in case" someone might need it someday. Her playful banter and touch of sass reflected how caring and thoughtful she was.

Left to quote her legendary one-liners, carry on her inside jokes, and tell people "SHUDDUP" on her behalf are her only daughter, Jacqueline (Martin) Weso; granddaughters Ramona Weso (Andrew Brouillard) and Kaylyn Raether (Erik Raether); great-grandchildren Lilu Kundinger, Fiona Brouillard, Greyson Raether, Clara Raether, and Alina Raether; her sister Grace "Jiggs" Martin; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Stone; her parents, Henry and Grace (Grignon) Martin; brothers Wayne Martin and Franklin "John Dee" Martin; and sisters Lorraine "Lolo" Boivin, Augustine "Cerie" Lloyd, Francis "Jeannie" Pyawasay, and Theresa "Teet" Martin.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and healthcare workers from the tribe and family who lovingly looked after our "old bat" and allowed her to remain on her throne at Rabbit Ridge for so many years. Additional gratitude is extended to the staff at ThedaCare–Shawano, Hospice, and Birch Hill Nursing Home for their care during her final days.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with cremation.

Services

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Michael's Parish in Keshena, Wisconsin.

Memorial Visitation: 9:00 a.m.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m.

Food to follow