Erma L. Stone

Erma L. Stone was born on December 14th, 1929 in Stilwell, OK, the daughter of Thomas “Lee” and Eva Ethel (Hall) Rich. She grew up on the family farm, with one brother, Clifton Rich, and eight sisters, Opal Leatherwood, Elwanda Latta, Geneva Emalino, Lorene Blevins, Greta Patterson, Margie Kelley, Magaline McAnally, and Wilma Rich Miller. She attended school and when she was done she married Jr. Hogner and had three sons, Joseph Hogner, James Hogner who died in infancy, and Michael Hogner. She then married Reverend Willard Stone on August 4th, 1964 and attained two step children, Barry and Valarie Stone. Together they raised their family and shared the work of leading others to the Light of Christ. Willard never ventured far from the love and support of Erma. When she wasn’t working, she was home doing a little sewing and quilting in her later years. She was an exceptional cook, and made the most fantastic fried chicken, homemade bread, mashed potatoes, banana cake, deviled eggs and every kind of pie you could think of. She loved spoiling her grandchildren, they were her happiness and joy. She had a competitive streak, and you needed to exercise a little caution playing dominoes with this lady! Sometimes, she cheated at board games to make the playing field “even”. She was the go to lady in the family and community if you needed a prayer warrior, she was the person you needed. She never hesitated to pray for anyone that asked for her intercession. Erma lost her husband Willard in 2018, and Erma moved close to her children, to enjoy the time she had left with the family she loved so much. Erma was a woman after God’s own heart. Erma served the Lord all the days of her life. The Lord blessed her with many years in which to enjoy her family. He called her home on February 1st, 2025 in Tahlequah, OK, surrounded by the family she adored. She was 95 years old and leaves a seat that will never be filled.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, her mother and father, her brother and seven sisters,and her beloved husband Willard.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Joseph Hogner and wife Linda of Cookson, OK, Michael Hogner of Oktaha, OK, Barry Stone and wife Cindy of Locust Grove, OK, and Valarie Wilson of Okay, OK. She leaves one sister, Wilma Rich Miller and husband Jay of Tahlequah, OK. She lives on in her grandchildren, Carla Wilson of Muskogee, Kristi Guthrie and husband Randy of Muskogee, Barry Stone of Muskogee, OK, Shawn Hogner and wife Martha of Muskogee, OK, Greg Stone and wife Teri of Tahlequah, Don Wilson and wife Melissa of Ft. Smith, Justin Hogner and wife Amanda of Park Hill, OK, Dan Rose and wife Shelly of Sallisaw, Lisa Warner of Vian, OK. She leaves Kim Gold of Vian, Tammy Sandlin and husband Randy of Vian, Melinda Wilson of Okay, OK, Joe Rogers of Salina, OK, and Ashley Harvey of Skiatook. OK. She lives on in her great grandchildren, Great Great Grandchildren and a very special friend and caregiver, Fran Higley of Cookson, OK. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Erma Lou Stone will be conducted on Thursday, February 6th, 2025 at 10:00 AM with Reverend Patrick Stone and Reverend Don McGee providing the eulogy. Her family will receive guest on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Willard Stone, at Park Hill Cemetery in Park Hill, OK.

Serving as pallbearers are Brian Stone, Greg Stone, Shawn Hogner, Dawson Hogner, Dale Guthrie, and Justin Hogner. Her honorary pallbearers are Randy Guthrie, Travis Sandlin, David Frazier, and Jake Sandlin.