Ruby Lee Goodman Stone, 81, of Tifton died Sunday, February 16, 2014, at Golden Living Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2014, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Rev. Larry Layfield will officiate with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Tommy Stone, Shane Stone, Terry Nichols, Mike Ellis, Trent Ellis and Dwayne Hobbs will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff and residents of Golden Living Center. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mrs. Stone was born on October 20, 1932 in Tift County and was the daughter of Jimmie Lee Goodman and Vera Eason Goodman, both deceased. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Edward “Eddie” Stone, Sr., who she married on August 14, 1948; one daughter, Linda Ann Stone; and a grandson, James Stone III. She retired from K-Mart and was a homemaker and a farmer’s wife. She was a member of New River Baptist Church in Tifton and her faith in God never wavered. In her later years, she became a resident of Golden Living Center, where she enjoyed and loved both staff and residents. Bingo was one of her favorite pastimes. Last year, she was chosen as Queen of Golden Living Center, a title she referred to reverently and, this year, she was informed she was to retain her place and be the Last queen – this was special to her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and nanny to many and a loving aunt and friend, adopted by all. Her smile and sweet loving presence touched many.
Mrs. Stone is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Danny Wayne and Dianne Stone and Jimmy and Rhonda Stone, all of Tifton; one brother, Travis Goodman of Conyers; three sisters, Jeanette Handy, Doris Blanchard and Diane Giddens, all of Tifton; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Mark Giddens, Chris and Angel Giddens, Kevin Giddens, Jennifer Stone (Cory Thorpe), Hannah Kestner, Karla Varnum and Katrina Varnum; six great-grandchildren, Andy Giddens, Keri Ann Giddens, Orlando Richardson Giddens, Kaiden Stone, Michael Taylor and Grace Varnum; sisters-in-law, Vivian Tucker and Zonabelle Self, both of Tifton; brother-in-law, Jim Stone of Florida; and extended family, the staff and residents of Golden Living Center. She also leaves behind too many friends and adopted family members to mention.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Tiftarea, P. O. Drawer 747, Tifton, GA 31793; or the Resident Activities Fund at Golden Living Center, 1451 Newton Drive, Tifton, GA 31794.