Debra Stone

Debra Stone, age 64, of Gary, SD passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 22nd at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gary, SD. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21st at Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery in Gary, SD. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel of Canby is entrusted with arrangements.
Debra Doreen Stone, age 64, passed away on January 16, 2024. She was born on February 5, 1959 in Minneapolis, MN to Ardell and Marlys Bren. She was their only daughter, with an older brother Craig and younger brother Kent. Deb grew up in Chaska, MN and graduated from Jordan High School in 1977. After graduation, they moved to Canby, MN where she earned a degree in Secretarial-Insurance Option from Canby Area Vo-Tech.
The next 17 years were spent raising her 3 kids, Ang, Josh and Dallas, on the family farm. On July 25, 1987, she married Craig Stone, her forever partner in life, and they just celebrated their 36th anniversary in July. Many days were spent camping, fishing, hunting, playing ball and riding horse. Deb had many hobbies and talents and she loved being outdoors. She had an affinity for music, and in her younger days she could often be found strumming her 6-string and 12 string guitar, playing the organ or listening to her vinyl records. She was also a proud member of the "Shady Ladies" pool team and and was pretty good at pocketing the 8 ball.
For the past 32 years, Deb was employed at Cliff Viessman's, Inc. where she was a valued employee. Living just 150 yards down the alley, she spent many years walking up and down the hill. She was set to retire in February.
In recent years, Deb and Craig spent most of their weekends at the campground and spending time with their grandkids. They have had opportunities to travel to some very interesting places, including Guyana, Hawaii, and Jamaica, and have come back with many unforgettable experiences. Deb also enjoyed tending her flower garden, painting and restoring collectibles, and spoiling her two shitzus, Zoe and Charlie.
Deb was once asked in an interview "If your life were a book, what would the title be?" Her response was perfect: "The Rearview Mirror- Looking Back on all the Roads I've Taken in my Life." Now, as we gather and are able to catch a glimpse in her rearview mirror, we see paths that lead to a mother, wife, grandma, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, and a friend whose smile and laugh will be greatly missed by all.
She is survived by her husband Craig; three children, Angela (Andy) Knutson of Elkhorn, NE, Joshua (Trista) Christianson of Canby, MN, and Dallas (Gina) Stone of Canby, MN; 8 grandchildren, Benjamin, Kyla, Camden and Riley Knutson, Dyllon and Ayden Christianson, Mya Stone, and Hunter Kack; one brother, Craig (Edie) Bren of Montrose, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ardell and Marlys Bren; brother Kent; father in-law and mother in-law Eldon and Leona Stone; 5 brother in-laws and 2 sister-in-laws.
Blessed be her memory.