Rita M. Stone

Rita Mary (Fletcher) Stone was born August 15, 1934, the daughter of Charles and Verna Fletcher of Fairbury, NE. Her entire childhood was spent in Fairbury, where she was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. She attended school at St. Michaels thru eighth grade, and graduated from Fairbury High School in l952.
Following that she completed one year at Fairbury Junior College.

In September 1953 Rita married Billy Stone also of Fairbury.
Their family included Chuck, Sandra (deceased), Gary and Sherry. For a few years after Chuck’s birth they lived near Longmont, CO where they had a dairy. Shortly after Gary’s birth they moved back to Nebraska and purchased the farm near Endicott that became the family home. Rita was a true partner to Bill on their farm. She always helped him on the farm when he needed it, as well as taking care of the kids and home. Taking care of her yard, flowers and fish pond was a great joy to her. Riding her lawnmower was probably her favorite thing to do. She was an avid television watcher and she would watch almost anything from old movies to her favorite -the Hallmark Channel. Rita enjoyed shopping, especially craft shows. Playing Bingo at the nursing homes, and lunches and other outings with her friends were some of the many things that she enjoyed. For a brief period of time early in their marriage Rita worked at the Fairbury Hospital as a nurse aide. Later she worked at the nearby brick plant and also in the kitchen at the Fairbury schools.

Chuck, Gary & Sherry all live within a couple miles of the home place, and the grandkids and great-grandkids spent a lot of time at Grandma’s house. They all share many happy memories of playing there, Grandma’s cookies, her candy dispenser that never ran empty, and just spending time with her and Grandpa. They knew that Grandpa and Grandma loved them and that they were welcome there at all times. Holiday’s were always celebrated there and Rita certainly never complained about fixing those big family meals. Christmas Eve was probably her favorite holiday. She always wanted to get the latest and greatest new toys for the kids.

Her battle with breast cancer began in 2011. Of course she hated losing her hair, but otherwise never complained about the treatments or how they made her feel. She was a great example of handling that terrible disease with strength and courage.

Rita is survived by children: Chuck (Kris) Stone of Endicott, NE; Gary (Diane) Stone of Endicott, NE and Sherry (Jim) Morehead of Fairbury, NE. Sister, Sandy Fletcher of CA, brother –in-law Gail (Lois) Stone of CO. Grandchildren: Justin (April) Stone of Lincoln, NE; Beau Stone of Mexico; Tanner (Brittni) Stone of CO; Kaleb Stone of Fairbury; Allisa (Ryan) Beekman of Holland, NE; Duston (Colleen) Morehead of Juniata, NE; Carly Minge of Wymore, NE; Drew Stone, Colton Stone and Amelia Stone all of Endicott, NE. Great-grandchildren: Emmitt Mitchell, Mollie and Gradey Beekman, all of Holland, NE; Reese and Dalton Stone of Lincoln, NE

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Sandra and husband Bill.

Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. June 23rd, 2016 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. June 24th, 2016 at St. Michael’s Church in Fairbury, NE.