Sarah "Sally" G. Stone

Sarah G. (Sally) Stone, 95, reached her heavenly home on Saturday, October 12, with her family by her side. Sally was the daughter of Ralph and Marie (Freistroffer) Heminger. She attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and Central Catholic High School, both in Fort Wayne.

Sally met Don Stone when he offered to chauffeur her and several friends to a dance at Lake James. Their love blossomed, and they were married on September 21, 1950. Don and Sally shared 66 loving years of marriage and they made an amazing team. Together they raised 11 children, with faith and family at the forefront of their lives. Mom and Dad knew each child was unique, but they were brought up knowing they were loved equally.

Sally and Don loved spending time with the ever-growing Heminger family. Joanette and Jack, Carol and Dick, Tom and Eileen, Marita and Tom, Mike and Vicki, and Pat and Jannette, and their families shared many holidays, weddings, and reunions together. Those times were always full of love and laughter. So much laughter.

They also had an amazing group of friends, some dating back to high school. Euchre, Pinochle, and Spinners drew them together, but a genuine love for each other kept them together. The Goegleins, the Nixes, the Vorichs, the Kilpatricks, the Minsers, and the Swaims enjoyed decades of friendship. We are certain there are a few card parties going on in heaven.

Mom showed her love in so many ways. There were multiple sheets of baked chicken at Sunday dinner. There was always a full cookie jar, which was your first stop inside the house. Never did she hesitate when asked to watch the grandkids, who all loved her dearly. She humbly volunteered at the Byron Health Center and at St. Vincent’s church and school. She often attended daily Mass, praying for all those she loved.

The Stone 11 worked as a team in taking care of Mom as her health declined in her later years. A beautiful home was generously secured by daughter Laura, and daughters Julie and Mary gently and lovingly took care of Mom for four years in that home. Mom had visitors and phone calls every day, as the rest of the siblings shared their lives and their families with her. Whenever grandkids would visit, her eyes and smile would light up the room. She found nothing sweeter, except maybe her daily mug of ice cream. Her “team” made sure Mom was never alone.

As Mom’s memories faded and she would become frustrated, we reminded her that those memories were safe with us. Then we’d relive them together. As her long journey came to an end, Jesus welcomed Mom to heaven with a box full of those special memories she so missed. We know she is happy again.

Sally is survived by her 11 children: Tom (Kris) Stone, Lake George, IN; Patty (Dick) Sager, Carleton, MI; Laura Gibson, Apex, NC; Peggy (Gary) Richardson, Fishers, IN; John (Tricia) Stone, Frederick, MD; and Julie Morris, Mary Osborn, Sue (Phil) Nahrwold, Kris (Mark) Witte, Jeanne Stone, and Anne (Steve) Abel, all of Fort Wayne; 21 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren. Sally is also survived by her brother Pat (Jannette), Miami, FL; and sisters-in-law Eileen Heminger (Tom), Fort Wayne, and Vicki Heminger (Mike), Colleyville, TX.

Sally was preceded in death by sisters, Joanette Haugk, Carol Doak, and Marita Ryan; brothers, Tom Heminger, and Mike Heminger; grandsons, Robert Osborn and Anthony Gill; and great-grandson, Colin Mowery.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Stillwater Hospice for the gentle care and respect they provided to Mom. They would also like to thank Fr. Polycarp Fernando for years of friendship and comfort he shared with Mom. She treasured his visits.

Visitation is from 1-4 pm on Sunday, October 20, at D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Homes, on Dupont Rd. Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:30 am on Wednesday, October 23, at St Vincent de Paul Church, with visitation one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made to Stillwater Hospice, Matthew 25 Health Clinics, or to St Vincent de Paul Church for masses.