Rita Marie Stone

Born March 15, 1936 to Frances K. Felten Kraus and Daniel F. Kraus in the community of Clear Creek, Missouri which is a short distance from Pilot Grove, Missouri. She was greeted by three brothers (Delphinus, Harold and Leo) and two sisters (Elizabeth and Ethel).

Rita married Thomas Eugene Stone of Clifton City, Missouri on December 22, 1955. Tom was in the Navy stationed in San Diego, California where they spent the first three years of their life together. After the Navy they spent three years in Sedalia, Missouri and then moved to Columbia, Missouri in 1961.

Rita and Tom were blessed with four children, Debra Joan, Pamela Marie, Randall Vincent and Mark Eugene. Rita is survived by Debra Hanlin (Randy), Pamela Otto (Randy). Six grandchildren, Joshua Hanlin, Jessica Hanlin, Sheena Rippentrop (Scott), Allen Otto (Andrew Elliot), Shelby Bandas, (Jacob), and Nickolas Stone (Lauren). Rita was blessed with seven great grandchildren (Stetson, Liam, Scarlett, Emmett, Scout, Grady and Sadler). One brother, Leo Kraus (Rose Mary), daughter-in-law, Liz Stone (Kevin), brother-in-law, Jack Stone (Jo) and sister-in-law, Thelma Kraus all survive.

She was preceded in death by her father Daniel Kraus, (December 5, 1936), her mother Frances Kraus (February 25, 1991); her husband, Thomas Eugene, her sons, Mark and Randall Stone, brothers, Delphinus Kraus, Harold and wife JoAnn Kraus. Sisters, Ethel Schoen and husband Admandus, Elizabeth and husband Jim Norman.

Rita provided in-home childcare while the family was young. When her children got older, she was employed at J.C. Penny’s until she started work at Hickman High School as an administrative assistant, a position she held for twenty-three (23) years. After retirement she worked as a substitute administrative assistant for the Columbia Public Schools until she reached the age of 75. In addition, Rita donated time to the Catholic Church and to Women in Medicine and Law for the Cure, where she was known as the scarf and pretzel queen.

Rita is a daughter of God, wife of Thomas, mother, mother-in-law, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She loved and cherished her family and friends. She was so proud of each and every one of them. Rita was loved and admired by many. She was blessed by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. All are saddened by her passing but are confident in the assurance she will be joining her Heavenly Father.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on June 16, 2025 at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, Missouri located at 1217 Business Loop 70W.

The funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at on June 17, 2025 at 10:00 am in Columbia Missouri, located at 105 Waugh St.

Graveside services will be at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, Missouri located at 1217 Business Loop 70W, following the church services.

In lieu of flowers, Rita suggested donations be made to Coyote Hills Foster Care.