- Date Of Birth: February 11, 1934
- Date Of Death: February 12, 2021
- State: Michigan
Gertrude Arlee “Trudy” Stone of Niles, Michigan, mother, grandmother, sister, banker, motorcycle tourer, and honorable veteran died peacefully at 5:55 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021 – the day after her 87th birthday – with her family gathered around her bed at her home following an extended illness. Her family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff of the Caring Circle Hospice at Home.
She was born on February 11, 1934 in Salisbury, North Carolina to Ardell D. and Gertrude L. (Parks) Burkett and was graduated from high school in Salisbury. She and her sister enlisted in the United States Navy, serving a four-year tour of duty, and were honorably discharged as veterans of the Korean Conflict. She came to Niles in 1956 and was employed in the offices of the former First National Bank, retiring from its successor, Old Kent Bank.
Trudy was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church (now New Journey United Methodist Church) in Niles. She and her husband toured most of the United States, mostly on their Honda Goldwing motorcycle, but also in a conversion van. At home, she took great pride in her yard, with no stray leaves, and no weeds escaping her pulling. But her greatest joy was her family, and especially her grandchildren.
While serving in the Navy she met Terrill “Terry” Stone to whom she was married. Sadly, Terry preceded her in death on August 22, 2015. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Mears.
Surviving family includes her children, Kenneth Stone of South Bend, Indiana and Kelly Thompson of Niles; grandchildren Ashley (& Michael Parker) Thompson, Michael Thompson, and Jennifer Stone; great-grandchildren Jordyn, Ma’kylah, Kai’leyonna, Kaivyn, Brooke, Larry III, and Carter; and Trudy’s sister, Gracie Elmore of Rockwell, North Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.
Trudy’s service in the U. S. Navy, her career at the bank, and even the care of her yard bore evidence of an organized person with an eye for detail. But more important was her relationships – with her husband as they toured, and as a grandmother and great-grandma.
