William Neil Stone

William Neil Stone was born on his parents homestead 7 miles northwest of Karval on August 7, 1922 to William Clifford and Ida Christine (Hanson) Stone. He joined two older brothers, Elmer and Cecil, and was later joined by a sister, Louise. He enjoyed life on the farm and ranch and especially liked to ride horses. Part of his daily chores was to round-up the cows for the evening milking. In those early days, fences were still a bit rare so finding the wandering herd might involve riding several miles. Bill married Marilyn Kravig in 1947. They had two children, Roger and Rosalyn, and spent the rest of their lives doing their best for them. An early fill-in occupation was driving a school bus, first for Pride of the Prairie and then for many years for Karval. An advantage back then was the school bus, a station wagon, was also a personal car but the rule made by the school board was that a new one was required every two years so the family always had a good vehicle. They shared that job for 14 years. Before Marilyn succumbed to cancer in 1997, Bill spent many hours and days chauffeuring her to chemo, surgeries and other appointments and performing many acts of personal care-giving to help her to the best of his ability. They were married for 49 and a half years. Rosalyn moved in with Bill to take care of him as he became less able to take care of himself. Once he remarked, “I need a new mirror.” When Rosalyn asked “What's wrong with the old one,” he said, “I don't like the picture.” So she found a picture of a baby orangutan face and taped it on the mirror. He enjoyed the humor of that. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, his parents and both brothers. Bill passed away on April 22, 2020 and leaves to mourn his passing his sister Louise of Conway, Missouri and her children, his son Roger and his wife Maggie of Black Forest, CO, his daughter Rosalyn of Karval and her son Wayne and children Emmalyn (Kind) and Matthew of Coon Rapids, MN and her daughter Holli and her husband David and children Daniel and Kelli of Colorado Springs. A private graveside service will be held. A Memorial service will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the charity of the donor's choice.