Together Again..
My life was full, I savored much; close friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work, to play.
If my parting has left some voids, then fill them with remembered joys.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow. There will be sunshine in your tomorrow.
I took His hand when I heard His call. I turned my back & left it all.
Tasks left undone must stay that way. I've found peace at the close of my busy day.
So, goodbye my loved ones, goodbye my friends. The time will come when we're together again.
~Unknown~
The Raymond O. Stone Memorial Scholarship Fund
Supporting Hard Working Students From The Community He Loved
For well over a decade, Dad worked at the Elk Lake School as a custodian. Most, however, knew him as much more than that.
"Janitor Bob", as he was known, was loved by many of the teachers, staff, admin and students of Elk Lake. He often got a chance to work with and among the students who quickly came to love his kind and affable nature.
Fun loving and, at times, mischievous, janitor Bob brought kindness, hard work, and joy to the halls of Elk Lake.
His passing weighs heavily on our family as we look back at the life and times of our husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend.
We could think of no better tribute to the man loved by so many than to create a scholarship fund to celebrate his legacy. This way, we can support the students of Elk Lake School.
The Raymond O. Stone Memorial Scholarship will be given each year to a student pursuing education in a college or trade school following graduation from Elk Lake.
You can donate To the Raymond O. Stone Memorial Scholarship Fund By clicking the button below. You will be redirected to the Community Foundation Of the Endless Mountains and can select the Raymond O. Stone Memorial Scholarship and donate through their site or by mailing your donation to the community foundation at:
The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains
270 Lake Avenue
Montrose, Pa 18801
Add a Testimonial
Twinkle Toes
By Scott Stone
I played basketball in junior high school. I was small and not very skilled and I don't have many memories from those days, but I remember one game vividly.. It was toward the end of the season. Our coach decided that it would be fun if we all invited our dads to play in a father-son game. Now, for many kids on the team, this was an easy ask. Many of their dads played in high school and some even coached. My dad, however, didn't even own sneakers. Though playful and precocious, I'm not sure if he had ever actually touched a basketball in his life.
When I asked him if he wanted to play I fully expected him to dismiss the idea and we would have a little chuckle about it and go on with out lives, but he didn't. To my shock, he said he would like to play and that he was looking forward to it! How would this work, I asked myself? He is spry and wiry, but does he even know the rules? Certainly he can't play in boots! We will have to remedy that at least.
As these questions circled my head, time went on and the big father-son game was upon us. A quick trip to Ames department store cured my dad's lack of sneakers. He laced up and was all set. When it came time to play, he popped up and took to the court wearing his new sneakers, jeans, and a pocket t-shirt like he commonly wore. Without hesitation he ran up and down the court, laughing and smiling as he violated every rule and tradition of the game of basketball. not a single dribble, but soooo much footwork... He quickly earned the name "Twinkle Toes" among those in attendance.
My dad didn't win the game that day, but he won over the hearts of those watching. Especially the scrawny little kid that was proud to call him dad.
Raymond O. Stone
11/8/1935 - 1/13/21
We love and miss you.
Fly With The Angels
Raymond O. Stone passed peacefully Wednesday, January 13, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born November 8, 1935 in Springville, PA, he was the son of the late Searle C. and Florence A. Stone.
Driven by a strong work ethic and starting at a young age he was a truck driver, quarryman, and later in life, a custodian at the Elk Lake School.
Throughout his life though, he remained devoted to his passion of farming, first as a dairy farmer and then in later years, raising cattle. He was genuine, caring and a lover of all animals and people. He was quick to lend a listening ear and a helping hand and gathered many dear friends of all ages throughout his lifetime. He was admired for his giving spirit and friendliness. Often accused of over feeding his animal friends, none of them complained, especially his fat and happy cows. He was the first in line for square dancing and had a tie waiting for every occasion. He loved dancing with his wife, and they could “cut the rug” better than most. His wife of 55 years treasures their lifetime of love and for the beautiful children they created.
He will be deeply missed by his loving family.
Survivors include his adoring wife, Thanna, whom he loving called “Manda” M. [Stanford] Stone, daughters, Susan “Sue” Lanesey [David] of Harwinton , CT, and, Deborah “Deb” Brown [Robert J.] of Tunkhannock, PA, a son, Raymond “Scott” Stone [Megan] of Tunkhannock, PA; grandchildren, Kayla, Aidan, Avery, Stone, and Caleigh; great grandchildren, Delos, and Dionne; his sister-in-law, April “Dawn” Thompson of Springville, PA; nieces, Terri and Kim; nephews; Donny, Dale, Adam, Sean, and Jason. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, William and Searle, sister in law Florence and niece and right-hand lady, Sally.
Visitation: 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, January 17th atBartron-Myer Funeral Home, Inc., Montrose, PA. All are welcome. Masks, social distancing and greetingguidelines will be followed.
Services: Private due to COVID-19 restrictions. A celebration of his life will be held on his farm this summer. Details forthcoming. Please leave contact information on website below for invitation.
Because of his fondness for the Elk Lake School District and the many friends young and old he made there; a scholarship fund has been created in his name to support the hard-working students of tomorrow within the community that he loved.
Remembrance and scholarship
donation information can be found at
https://RaymondOStone.com