Alice Ruth Stone

Alice “Ruth” Stone, 78, of Yakima, passed away Friday, February 28, 2014 in Yakima. She was born in Claude, Texas on January 10, 1936. Ruth was the 5th and last child born to Walter and Lora Bledsoe. The oldest sibling was Frank Bledsoe, followed by Jack Bledsoe, Nella (Bledsoe) Barnet, and Mickie (Bledsoe) Sybouts.

Ruth’s family moved to Moxee, Washington in 1946 where her mother, Lora Bledsoe, ran a little help yourself laundry and her father, Walter Bledsoe, worked odd jobs around the local fruit and hop farms. Lora eventually worked as a cook in the Moxee School cafeteria, where she was fondly remembered by staff and students alike.

In addition, Ruth and her sister Mickie baby sat for local Moxee families, worked the hop harvest, and helped out in her brother Jack’s grocery store.

In 1952, Ruth married the love of her life, Orville Carl Stone. Together, they raised three boys in a wonderful loving environment. The oldest son, Terry Carl Stone, is a third generation “Carl” and has several Karate schools in central Washington. Second son, Ricky Lee Stone, is a celebrated musician and the Pastor at the New Song Christian Fellowship in Brady, Texas. Youngest son, Timothy Dale Stone, is a manager in the high-tech Internet business in Spokane, Washington.

Ruth worked as a homemaker as well as a partner with her husband Orville in their real-estate business, LoRoca Investments. Ruth and Orville were founding members of the Spirit Alive Wesleyan Church in Yakima, Washington.

In 1989, Ruth and Orville became members of the Wagon Wheelers square dancing group and in 1991 became members of the Yakima Rounders Dance Group. They enjoyed traveling together and spending time with family and friends. Ruth’s love, Orville, passed away in 2001 and not a day passed that she did not miss him. Through their love of the Lord, they are together again.

Ruth is survived by her sister Mickie Sybouts; Ruth and Orville’s three sons, Terry, Rick and Tim; eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Thursday, March 6th and Friday, March 7th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A memorial service with closed casket will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Spirit Alive Wesleyan Church. 3601 Mountainview Ave. Yakima. Interment will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. Memorial donations in Ruth’s name can be sent to Memorial Hospice, Cottage in the Meadow, 1019 South 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98908.

To Share a memory of Ruth visit www.keithandkeith.com.