Ellen Rita Stone

Ellen R. Stone of Traverse City was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven after 99 years, 11 months and 19 days on earth. Ellen passed on May 11, 2019 at Traverse Manor, in the loving care of her family, Traverse Manor staff and Heartland Hospice. Ellen was born on Thursday, May 22, 1919 to John and Alicia (Kelly) Hannon in Bayonne, New Jersey. She had three sisters and three brothers. Her elementary school years were spent at St. Mary's Academy, and she graduated from Bayonne High School in 1937. She continued her education at Jersey City Business College. Ellen was an executive assistant for Tide Water Oil Company and Standard Oil Company both in New York City. After her marriage, she was a homemaker. On April 1, 1944, she married Robert A. Stone from Alanson. After Robert's military service they moved to Shepherd, then to Mt. Pleasant and finally to Traverse City, where they lived for over 60 years. She also enjoyed living at Glen Eagle Senior Living Community after Robert's death. Ellen enjoyed playing golf and bridge for many years. Reading, crossword puzzles and making doll clothes were some of her favorite hobbies. She loved family gatherings. Her memberships included Immaculate Conception Church where she was a longtime sacristan and a member of St. Patrick's Circle. During her children's school years, she was very active as room mother, playground supervision, Girl Scout leader and held many different positions in the P.T.A. As a member of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club, she played in the Women's Nine Holers League. Ellen was a very active member of the Traverse City Woman's Club having held all of the officer positions and was the very last President of the Club in 2007-2008. She was on the Charter Board of the Phoenix Hall Women's Treatment Center. Other memberships were Catholic Daughters of America, Michigan and National Automobile Dealer Associations and the Traverse City Elks Lodge. Ellen is survived by her children, Alicia (Britt) Sanford of Traverse City, Robert (Susan) of Interlochen and Cathleen of Cheboygan; her grandchildren, Angela (Neal) Jones, Joshua Stone, Erin (Aaron Singer) Sanford, Matthew Sanford, Katelyn (Zachary) Cox, Major Raymond Stone U.S.A.F., and Zackery Stone, her great-grandchildren, Chezyrae and Jazline Jones, Matthew, Olivia, Gary, Graham, Elizabeth and Isabella Cox and seven nieces and three nephews. Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; son, Richard; siblings, Angela Hannon, Alicia Hannon, John Hannon, Elizabeth (Raymond) Lysaght, John (Katherine) Hannon and James (Catherine) Hannon, grandson, Daniel and great grandsons, Nicklas and Brendan and by three nieces and one nephew. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 Cedar St., Traverse City, with visitation one hour prior to the Mass. The Rev. Father James Hayden will preside at the mass. She will be laid to rest at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery with her husband Robert and son Richard. Memorial contributions may be directed The Immaculate Conception Capital Fund, 308 Cedar St., Traverse City, MI 49685 or to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City,MI 49696.

Ellen Rita Stone

May 22, 1919 - May 11, 2019