Ruth Sharon Stone

Ruth Sharon Stone, 79, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 in Lansing, Michigan. Born July 24, 1941, Ruth was the daughter of Ronald and Millicent (Offenbecher) Standish and spent much of her younger years in the Plainwell and Wayland area. It was in Kalkaska, Michigan, though, that she met the love of her life, William Charles Stone, a decorated Vietnam-War hero. After living in Kalkaska, MI and Tampa, Florida for a few years, Ruth and Bill retired to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where they hand-built their dream cabin on the shores of Lake Superior near Gay, Michigan.

Never one to shy away from snow and cold winter weather, Ruth loved her time in the U.P. After having acquired a 40-acre plot and erecting a cabin on it with help from friends, she and Bill became involved with the nearby Native American Ojibwe Tribe, and Ruth learned to handcraft beautiful beadwork while Bill excelled in leatherworking. Together, they created gorgeous pieces to present and sell at pow-wows: Ruth even received a blue ribbon for one of her creations.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Stone; her sister Patricia Hunsucker, and her parents. She also lost two precious nephews much too early; Gary Standish, Jr. and Kevin Standish.

She will be lovingly remembered by her only son, Derek Marshall; sisters Sheila Standish, Helena Standish, Dorothy Marshall; brother Gary Standish; nephews Ron and James Hunsucker, Justin Standish, Adam Standish; nieces Paula Swanson, Tonia Burd, Tracy Burd, Tammy Bernath, Heather Smith, and Connie Karmes-Williams, and Tina Karmes Wescott. Ruth was known to “adopt” people and she is missed and loved by Kimberly Glasslee, Patrick Stanton, Christina, Shaylyn, the Wilkie Family and dear friends at Evergreen Baptist Church, Kalkaska. MI, where she was a member. Mom touched many lives and was loved by all who knew her.

In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held.