Ruby Stoner

Retired Ruby Alice Stoner was born on January 10, 1918, in Williams, Iowa, (in the same house as her father) to Edward and Grace Ferguson. She went from her earthly home to that of her heavenly father, Jesus Christ, on September 29, 2011, in Visalia, CA, at age 93. Before marriage, Mom was a teacher. Once married, she and dad farmed in Spencer, Iowa, and Milan, Minnesota. Finally, they were able to purchase their own farm near Holloway, Minnesota. In addition to farming, mom worked at the bakery in Appleton part time and was a caregiver of an elderly neighbor/friend. Raising a large family meant nothing went to waste - even old, worn out jeans and clothing were saved and sewed into strips to be woven into rugs. Besides farming, Dad supplemented the family income by working in construction. In 1961 they moved 2,000 miles away to Visalia, California, where Mom's brother, John, and his family had settled. Mom took on many jobs including housecleaning, babysitting, ironing, and care giving. She loved babies and always wanted a large family - and succeeded, having eleven children, ten born in Minnesota, with the last born in California. Mom loved life - she easily made friends and was interested in many things. Some of her favorites included plants and flowers - she could grow orchids, where others could not. Mom was known to pack up her car (towing a small homemade trailer) along with up to 5 of her own kids and some of their friends for camping trips lasting from 1-2 weeks at Stony Creek in the Sequoia National Forest. The kids would be gone swimming, fishing, and playing for big chunks of the day, while she stayed at the campsite and cooked stews and indulged in one of her passions - reading. She was an avid reader of historical non-fiction. It was not uncommon to have a conversation with her where she would give you a history lesson on the Great Depression (which she knew firsthand), shared a struggle or achievement of a non-famous person, or a biographical tidbit about a world leader. She loved to share recipes, poems, and common sense articles she read in her "hometown" newspaper, the Appleton (Minnesota) Press, which she subscribed to all these many years. Mom was a regular attender of First Baptist Church (now GateWay) for many years. She also attended lunches at the Senior Center for over 25 years. In her later years when she could no longer drive (after turning 90) she spent many hours doing 1000-1500 piece puzzles. When she got stuck, visitors, especially daughter, Linda, and daughter-in-law, Fran, would help her out. Mom loved her family and was always glad to pass on the achievements of one of her kids, grandkids, or great-grandkids to other family members and friends. She endured hardships and disappointments, to be sure, but somehow always managed to remain positive. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, commitment, and perseverance. Mom was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Gene, Elmer, and John Ferguson; grandchildren: Robbie, Jeff, and Amanda; two sons, Francis and Norman; daughter, Nancy Marshall; and husband of 69 years, Howard Stoner, in 2006. Many dear friends preceded her in death, as well. She is survived by sons: Ronnie (Ruth Ann), Scotts Mills, OR, Gary (Linda), Cameron Park, CA, Doug (Fran), Orosi, CA, and Maurice (Pat), Visalia, CA, and daughters: Twylla Nelson (Robert), Hawley, MN, Linda Shockley (Robert), Audrey Friesen (Danny), Peggy Garispe (Lee), and daughter-in-law, Mona, all of Visalia, CA. Her friends and neighbors, Richard and Patsy Vanslype, are also considered to be part of the family. They have been kind, helpful, and generous beyond measure to both Mom and Dad for over 20 years. Additionally, she is survived by siblings, Mary Peterson and Alvin Ferguson, and sisters-in-law, Kay and Lorraine Ferguson, and Marjorie Hoeman. Mom truly enjoyed the 27 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren that survive her. She loved when they would visit, as she had no trouble connecting with the younger generation. She also was never happier than when she held the newest baby in the family on her lap! Included in her survivors are many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as friends. Services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the Pavilion in the Visalia District Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visalia Rescue Mission, which mom supported. Condolences may be e-mailed to info@salseranddillard.com.