Stephanie Ruth Stone, 78, of The Villages, Florida, died September 8, 2016 at The Villages Hospice House. She was born June 14, 1938, the daughter of Ralph and Georgia Shepard in Battle Creek, Michigan. She and her husband, Joseph Roy Stone, lived in Florida during the winter starting in 1997. They moved to Florida full time in 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Dolores Shouldice. She married Joe on December 30, 1961, he survives. Also surviving are her son, Joseph Roy Stone, II (Patricia) of Plano, TX; daughter, Julee Anne Stone of Los Gatos, CA; granddaughter, Jordan Renae Stone and grandson, Jarod Ryan Stone also of Plano, TX; brother, John Charles Shepard, The Villages, FL. She has several nieces and nephews. She graduated from St Philip High School in 1956, attended Kellogg Community College and Ferris State University. She was a Certified Volunteer Manager and completed the Kellogg Community College Volunteer Management program. She was Coordinator of Volunteer Services for the Center of Battle Creek, 1990-1997. During this tie in cooperation with the American Red Cross and Battle Creek Health System, she assisted in the development and management of the initial Youth Engaged in Service (YES) program in 1990. Previously, she had held positions with the Wolverine Insurance Company, Office of Civil Defense, Ferris State University, Defense Logistics Service Center and Eagles Drug Store. Her greatest career was being a mom and grandmother. She was a member of Volunteerism in Action (VIA), a local organization of Volunteer Administrators. She volunteered at the Volunteer Center prior to her employment. She also volunteered as Chairperson of Hospitality for the 1987-1989 Battle Creek Hot Air Balloon Championships and as a mentor for the Helping One Student to Succeed (HOST) Program. She was a member of the Villages Vintage Jewelry and Home Decorating Clubs. She enjoyed reading, water aerobics, interior decorating and collecting Vintage and Antique Bracelets. Her greatest love was being with her husband, children and grandchildren for family get togethers. A Visitation will be held at the Beyers Funeral Home Chapel, Lady Lake, FL on Monday, September 12, 2016 from 3 – 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Villagers for Hospice: 601 Casa Bella, the Villages, FL 32162.
