Ruth Elizabeth (Engel) Stone

Ruth Elizabeth Otillia Stone passed away March 5, 2017 at home in Otis, Colorado. She was born april 27, 1922 in Vernon, Colorado to Frank and Margaretha Engel. She attended Bunch Grass & Vernon Schools. She always rode Old Cap the horse to school every day.

She married Eugene V. Stone on July 27, 1940 and to this union five children were born, Kay, Sue, Melbourne, Laura and Beverlee. They lived south of Vernon where they farmed and ranched until 1960. They then moved the family to the ranch south west of Wray.

Ruth worked at the Engel Packing Plant for years. She also painted and papered with her sister, Bertha. She was devoted to family, farming and ranching with her husband. Dad always said mom was the best hired hand he ever had. She loved playing ball with their kids, and all the grandkids. Her hobbies were sewing, embroidery, quilting, crocheting, flower design and bowling. She was also very active with many area home demonstration clubs. She loved to follow all her kid and grandkids in their school and sporting events. She was a fabulous cook & canned her garden produce. If you ever left her home hungry, it was your own fault! She enjoyed fishing and hunting and was known affectionately as Rattlesnake Ruth.

Due to declining health, Gene & Ruth moved into Wray in the fall of 2009. After Gene’s passing in 2011, Ruth moved to Otis to be closer to family in the spring of 2013.This “Sweet Lady” was never forgotten in her old community. And she was welcomed into her new home and church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 70 years, Eugene, daughter, Kay & husband, George, daughter, Laura, son-in-law, Rick, grandchild, Shawn, brothers, George & Henry and sisters, Bertha & Mabel.

She is survived by daughter, Sue & husband, John Peterson of Poway, California; son, Melbourne & wife, Connie Stone of Longmont; daughter, Beverlee Eskew of Otis; 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church in Otis, Colorado at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Randall Feather officiating. Interment was held in the Glendale Cemetery in Vernon, Colorado. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Plains, P.O. Box 365, Wray, Colorado 80758. Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.