February 14, 1929 - June 3, 2022
Leola (Lee) Stone Passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 at her home in Enid, OK with her constant companion, Ellie the wonder dog by her side. She told her daughter several times over the years “Nancy, God takes care of me” – He did exactly that on her last day on earth. She laid down to take a nap and didn’t wake up.
Leola’s service will be at her beloved church, the First Presbyterian Church, 816 Indian Dr., St. Paul, NE on Thursday, June 9th at 10:30 AM. She will be laid to rest in O’Neill, Nebraska at the O’Neill Cemetery under the direction of Biglin’s Mortuary at 3:00 PM that afternoon. Anderson-Burris funeral home will be handling preparations in Enid, OK.
Leola was born on February 14, 1929 in Page Nebraska to Fred L. and Lillie S. (Post) Carey. She grew up on the family farm, the last of nine siblings with number 8 (Myrtle) being 10 years old when she was born. She graduated from O’Neill High School with the class of 47. Leola married Raymond Wilkinson on November 18, 1947. They raised two sons, Harland and John and a daughter Nancy. They moved from O’Neill to Omaha in the late 50’s. Later in life she moved to Enid, OK and fell in love with her neighbor, Charlie Stone whom she married on July 31, 1984. After Charlie’s passing she retired to the St. Paul, Nebraska area to be close to her grandchildren, helping her son build her a house at Lake of the Woods.
Leola worked outside the home beginning in the early 60’s. Most were not “easy” jobs, but her favorite one had to be bartender at the NCO club at Vance Air Force base in Enid, where all those flyboys just called her mom.
Leola’s family was always first and foremost in her thoughts and actions. She was an accomplished seamstress making everything from prom dresses and winter coats to period correct Civil war attire for her grandson to wear to reinactments. She loved all forms of needlework including crochet, knitting and hand quilting. Her quilts never touched a sewing machine, done by hand right down to the backing and binding. She was an avid reader, reading on average 5 books a month on her trusty Kindle that she took everywhere with her. She had some of the best times of her life living at Lake of the Woods, enjoying time with her son’s family, watching her beloved grandchildren grow into amazing adults. She joined two camping clubs (Second Chance & Good Sam) and loved the camaraderie of the groups more than the camping itself! Lifelong friends were made there. St. Paul is where she found her welcoming congregation at the First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed many activities there and of course lots of Sundays. She saved the last nine years of her life to spend close to her daughter and her family in Enid. She was proud to be a gold star mom and was never without her gold star pendant. Most friends would remember her as an excellent listener with a grateful heart. She was a bridge over troubled water for many.
Leola was preceded in death by her two husbands, her oldest son, Harland, 6 brothers and 2 sisters. She leaves behind, her daughter Nancy and her husband David of Enid, OK and her son John and his wife Dori of St. Paul, Ne., grandchildren Silas & Bethany, Seth, Marlie & Victor, Shelly, Mark & Julie, and great grandchildren Harland, Lily and Ryne, numerous nieces and nephews and her constant companion Ellie.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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