Obituary of Marilyn J. Stone

Marilyn J Stone, 87, of St Petersburg Florida passed away on February 19, 2019, with her family by her side.  

She was born to the late Dr. Robert and Kathryn Ketchum, August 16, 1931, in Charleston, West Virginia. Marilyn received an associates degree from Morris Harvey College, now known as the University of Charleston.

She was married to William Thomas (Tom) Stone and they lived briefly in Chicago while Tom attended technical school, after which they returned to their hometown of Charleston, West Virginia. They later relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida where they raised their three children. Marilyn worked for the St. Pete Times newspaper (classified ads) before pursuing a lifelong career with the public school system as a bookkeeper and support staff for the guidance department at Northeast High School then as a bookkeeper at Southside Fundamental School. She is survived by her children Michael (Susan), David (Linda) and Kathy as well as eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband in 1978, who passed away at the age of 47. She was also predeceased by her brother Robert (Dick) Ketchum and sister Cornelia Ketchum, whom she took care of in her home for many years, and is survived by her sister Jane (David) Pelletier.

Marilyn enjoyed playing tennis with her friends in earlier years and was a very talented artist. Her children have been blessed to receive many of her paintings for display in their homes. She had a sharp mind and loved to work crossword puzzles on a daily basis. In addition to being articulate and well in command of the english language she also had a quick wit and sense of humor that she passed on to all of her children. She also had a great attention for detail and a sharp mind for organization. Marilyn spent many hours as a volunteer with various organizations including the Pinellas Association for Retarded Children (PARC), Ronald McDonald House and her church of over 30 years, Lakewood United Methodist. She was a good friend to many, kept in close touch with her childhood friends from West Virginia and very much enjoyed her Charleston High School reunions. Marilyn dearly loved her family and as a strong mother figure had a laser focus on their well being and leaves behind a host of beautiful memories. She loved Jesus and said that he was the true source of happiness.

Viewing ceremony will be held on Monday, February 25, 2019, 6pm followed by a celebration of life service at 7pm. Location is at the McQueen Anderson funeral home Tyrone Chapel located at 7820 38th Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL, 33710.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in her name to PARC in St. Pete Florida, www.parc-fl.org/get-involved/donate/