Marilyn Donna Stone, 73, longtime former Coupeville resident, passed away at Everett Rehabilitation and Care Center August 26, 2004, following a courageous battle with vascular disease.
Mrs. Stone was born in Menominee, Wis., April 3, 1931, to Hugh Whinnery and Muriel (Rossiter) Whinnery. She lived in Wisconsin and Montana before moving to Spokane with her family. Marilyn had her mother as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Deborgia, Mont. She graduated from West Valley High School in Spokane in 1949. Following graduation, she was employed as a bank teller. August 4, 1950, Marilyn married Edward Henry Stone, Jr., in Spokane. They moved to Bremerton in 1957, and then settled in Coupeville in 1958.
Marilyn was a homemaker until the early 1970’s, at which time she went to work as a waitress at the Tyee Restaurant in Coupeville to help pay college expenses for her children. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at the restaurant, socializing with regular customers and co-workers. Favorite hobbies of Marilyn included talking with friends, water aerobics, trips to the casino, and bowling. An avid bowler, Marilyn rolled a 647 series in 1970, coming within 11 points of the Ebey Bowl record. She enjoyed enthusiastically cheering for her children and grandchildren in their many sporting events. Marilyn was also a Seattle Mariners fan. Edgar Martinez was her favorite player.
In the early ‘80s, Marilyn and Ed purchased a motor home and became snowbirds. They enjoyed traveling throughout the Western United States and Canada. They began spending the winter months in Yuma, Ariz., and then moved on to Desert Hot Springs, Calif., from 1988 through 1995.
Marilyn will be remembered as a passionate person, loving mother and grandmother, with iron will and strength. She was a fighter. She will be dearly missed and loved forever. The family expresses its appreciation to the staffs of Everett Rehabilitation and Care Center and Providence Hospice of Snohomish County for their support, compassion, and loving care.
Her husband, Edward, to whom she was married for 52 years, preceded Marilyn in death in 2002. She is survived by her three children, Jeff Stone and wife Vicky of Oak Harbor, Randy Stone and wife Patti of Port Angeles, and Lori Ley and husband Terry of Bothell; five grandchildren, Brannon Stone of Bellingham, Garrett Stone of Seattle, Monica Stone of Oak Harbor and Makenzie and Cameron Ley, both of Bothell.
A private family graveside will be at Sunnyside Cemetery. A memorial service for family and friends will be Sunday, Sept. 5, at 4 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor, Pastor Dave Veach officiating. Memorials may be made to Providence Home Care and Hospice of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201-9931. Arrangements under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.
