Margaret Maria Stone, age 96, of Russellville, passed away with her family by her side, on May 20, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City after a long battle with pneumonia.
Margaret was born on July 27, 1927, to Marcus and Maria Husch in Elkenroth, Germany. She was 16 years old when the Allied bombing of German cities began during World War II. She and her family survived, and moved to Erbenheim, Germany, where she attended and graduated from high school. Her first job was as a hairdresser, followed by a position working for an American officer’s family. It was there that she met her future husband, Harold P. Stone, who was a Sergeant in the United States Army. Harold and Margaret married in 1955, and shortly after, traveled to Fort Worth, Texas., where he was stationed.
Harold, Margaret, and their son Michael relocated many times throughout Harold’s military career, including to South Dakota, back to Germany, and to Fort Bliss, Texas. Margaret maintained the household while Harold was deployed to Iran, Vietnam, and Korea, each time for a full year. After his retirement in 1970, the couple was able to settle down together in the home they built near Mexico, where they would live for almost 50 years.
Margaret had many hobbies and talents, and was masterful at crochet and embroidery. She collected beautiful dolls and made incredible clothing and accessories for them. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, walking in the neighborhoods around her home, reading, listening to classical music, and taking photographs. Her greatest passion was spending time with her family and friends, preparing food for them, and reminding them to take time to relax and enjoy life.
She is survived by her son Michael (Mary) Stone, her grandchildren Jessica (Matt) Riedl, Aaron (Danielle) Taylor, Sarah (Eric) Stone, Brian (Heather) Stone, Lindsey (Rob) Nelson, and Christopher Stone, and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her parents Marcus and Maria, her brothers Paul and Manfred, and her sisters Hilda, Agnes, and Mary Ann.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Mexico. Mass will begin at 10 a.m. with Rev. P. Gregory Oligschlaeger, VF officiating. Graveside services and inurnment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery – Jacksonville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery – Jacksonville, 1479 County Road 1675 Jacksonville, MO 65260.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 10 a.m., Friday, May 31, 2024, for friends that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to her family. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
