CHAMPLAIN — Rita Blain Stone, 98, of Champlain, passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at her home with her family by her side. She was born Aug. 29, 1914, in Champlain, the daughter of Ulic and Alma Blain.
She was a farm girl and she played basketball at St. Mary's Academy. She attended Plattsburgh Normal School for three years, graduating in 1934.
She taught in a one room school house in Champlain. She married Ralph W. Stone on December 27, 1937. She taught second grade in Rouses Point and trained student teachers. Rita loved children. Many children lost their loose teeth in her classroom.
She was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church. She always put her family first. Rita was the oldest resident in the town of Champlain and the oldest living graduate of Plattsburgh State.
Rita is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Ralph Stone, who passed away in 1998 at the age of 83; two sisters, Octavia Racine and Janette Wallett; and two brothers, Gerald Blain and Russell Blain.
Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Barbara Stone, Ralph (Billy) and Pat Stone, Fred and Sandy Stone and Gerald and Stephanie Stone; her grandchildren, Kory Stone, Christopher Stone, Jared Stone, Logan Stone, Shannon Wolfort and Hutchinson LaBombard; her great grandchildren, Spencer Stone, Sebastian Stone, Simon Stone, Kaylynn Stone, Madison Wolfort, Macy Wolfort, Gia Stone, Cameron Olivia Stone, Brandon and Nathan Muller. She was also survived by her three loving cats, Sassy, Sunny and Caley; and her Boston Terrier, Junior.
Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at the Ross Funeral Home in Mooers. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at St. Mary's Church in Champlain.
Donations in Rita's memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country. Rita's family would like to thank the CVPH staff, especially the people on R-7 and Hospice of the North Country.
The world is a better place because of Mrs. Stone.
Arrangements are in the care of the Ross Funeral Home, 2586 Route 11 Mooers. To share an online condolence, please visit www.RossFuneralHomes.com
