DeAun Ruth Stone

Feb 5, 1924-Sept 29, 2015 DeAun R. Stone, age 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend passed away peacefully in her home in Placentia, California surrounded by her family on September 29, 2015. DeAun was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Aubrey C. McElroy and Hazel Marie (Jett) McElroy on February 5, 1924. She was raised and educated in Kansas City graduating from Westport High School in 1941. Following graduation from high school, DeAun worked for the telephone company as an operator and then in 1942 during WWII, she went to work at North American Aviation in Kansas City, Mo. It was at North American Aviation that she met the love of her life, Max Murrah Stone, and they were married on January 16, 1943, a marriage that lasted over 50 years. Shortly after they were married, Max enlisted in the United States Air Force and DeAun followed Max to several air bases where he was stationed including Denver, Colorado, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lincoln, Nebraska, where she would always find a job either on the base or in the local town. After WWII ended, DeAun and Max returned to make their home in Kansas City, Mo., and their daughter, Norma, was born in January 1946. DeAun and Max also had a son, Jerry Stone, from Max's previous marriage. In the early years of their marriage, DeAun was a housewife while Max went to work at General Motors Corporation in Kansas City. In 1954, General Motors transferred Max to California to work at the South Gate, California plant and DeAun and Max bought a home in Fullerton, California and later in Placentia, California. During the ensuing 36 years, DeAun worked for a dentist, J.C. Penney, Hughes Aircraft, and for 23 years at California State University, Fullerton as a Supervising Library Assistant III retiring in April 1985. DeAun and Max remained active in their retirement years by spending wonderful times with their family and friends and traveling throughout the United States, Mexico, Spain and Portugal. DeAun and Max were always active in their various Lutheran churches both in Kansas City and California. DeAun's mother, Hazel Marie McElroy lived with DeAun and Max for over 32 years. In December 1990, DeAun and Max and her mother moved back to the Kansas City area and bought a home in Leawood, Kansas where they spent several enjoyable years with their family members. DeAun's husband, Max, died in August 1993 and she and her mother returned to Placentia, California in June 1994. DeAun will be remembered for her independent spirit, loving and caring devotion to her family and friends, dedication and professionalism to her work, and her wonderful sense of humor. DeAun was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of over 50 years, Max. She is survived by her daughter, Norma Lee (Stone) Morris of Placentia, California, her son, Jerry Stone (Carole) of St. Peters, Mo., 4 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson, her sister, Beverly Rick (Robert) of Apple Valley, California, her brother-in- law, Gene Poynter of Mound City, Mo., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A private Celebration of Life Memorial and graveside burial for family and close friends will be held in Kansas City at D.W. Newcomers & Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. on Monday, October 12, 2015 at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in DeAun Stone's name to: St. Jude Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 4138, Fullerton, California 92834-4138 for the Stroke Rehabilitation Center.