Obituary: Stone, Dennis Eugene
Age 80
Dennis was the oldest child born to Ralph L. and Bertha R. Stone on March 3, 1934, in Spokane, Washington.
As a small boy, he grew up running around in Almira and later at the family farm south of town, with his younger brother, Melvin R. Stone.
He attended the Almira School for all twelve years and was a member of the Class of 1952.
Upon graduation, he began farming and ranching full-time with his father.
Five months later he married his high school sweetheart, Delores Kessinger.
Dennis’ passion was his wheat farm and he never wanted to retire, nor live anywhere but on his farm north of Almira.
He moved his family there from the south farm in 1972.
Through the years he would fondly reflect on his time spent playing high school football, basketball and baseball, and then later playing town team basketball and softball.
Another passion was his relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ and ensuring that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren followed his legacy.
Other interests were fishing, hunting, metal detecting, classic cars including his convertible 1956 Thunderbird and El Caminos, John Deere, black licorice, peanut M&M’s, Arby’s, and watching his grand kids play sports.
For many years, Dennis was an active board member of Lincoln Mutual #1 (now Ag Link), the Lincoln County Soil Conservation Service committee, the Almira Cemetery Endowment Fund, the Hartline Assembly of God and later, the Coulee City Assembly of God.
He was Lincoln County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1965 and 2003.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph L. and Bertha R. Stone.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Delores; his daughter Sally and her husband Tim Sullivan and their daughter Stephanie Payne all of Spokane; his son Danny Stone and his wife Sandy and their children: daughters Leali and Kami (all of Almira), son Kenny and Kimberly and great-grandson Parker Stone of Beaverton, OR, Kaylee and John Krout of Portland, OR, and Allen Stone of Valley, WA; his daughter Deanna and her husband Randy with sons Stone and Richy Kaech of Ferndale, WA; and his daughter Kari and her husband Charles with children Josie and John Pierce of Hartline, WA.
He is also survived by his brother Melvin Stone Sr. and wife Charlotte of Almira and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Friends and family will be paying tribute and celebrating his life on Sunday, August 17, 2014 at the Almira Community Church in Almira, WA.
Graveside service will begin at 3:00pm at the Almira Cemetery with the Memorial Service at the church at 4:00pm.
There will be a luncheon following at the Almira Community Church.
Mr. Stone will lie in state at the Almira Community Church on Sunday, August 17, 2014 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Almira Cemetery Endowment Association or the mission or charity of their choice.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.stratefuneralhome.com.
STRATE FUNERAL HOME, WILBUR, WA is caring for the family.