Betty Stone

(From Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home)

Elizabeth Catherine Stone, lovingly known as "Betty Stone" to her friends and "Betty Kaye" to her family, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024 (All Saints' Day), at 3:45 a.m. She was 87 years old and resided with her beloved husband, William Minter Stone, Jr. ("Bill"), at Turners Rock Assisted Living. Betty courageously battled pancreatic cancer for over a year, during which time she continued to touch lives with her gentle spirit and unwavering faith.

Born Elizabeth Catherine Emack on May 4, 1937, at Burge Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, she was the daughter of William Marcus Emack and Frances Leona Danley Emack. Raised in Cabool, Missouri, Betty grew into a woman who devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, her faith, and her community.

Betty was a longtime member of University Heights Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. She and her husband, Bill, shared a passion for travel and adventure, spending many years exploring the country in their motorhome. They were active members and officers in the Winnebago International Travelers (WIT) Club and were charter members of the local southwest Missouri chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). Betty and Bill also cherished their annual travels to the Kiwanis International Conventions each summer, where Bill was a dedicated Kiwanian.

Bill and Betty’s love story began at the Missouri State Baptist Student Union in 1955, and they married in 1957. Their legacy of faith and love for campus ministry continued as they remained loyal supporters of the Baptist Student Union, where their son, David, now serves as a campus minister. The Stone family’s dedication to Missouri State University is evident in their deep-rooted support and unwavering enthusiasm for the Bears.

Betty was also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, holding season tickets for the Springfield Cardinals with Bill. She created countless cherished memories with her family, watching games in St. Louis, attending Cardinals Spring Training in South Florida, and enjoying Springfield Cardinals games with her grandchildren.

In her professional life, Betty was a respected financial director at the ARC of the Ozarks in Springfield, Missouri. She began as a volunteer bookkeeper for a small group of parents supporting children with developmental disabilities. Her dedication grew with the organization, eventually working alongside her husband, Bill, who became the Executive Director. Together, they served the ARC community for over 30 years, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.

Preceded in Death By: Her parents, William Marcus Emack and Frances Leona Danley Emack; brother-in-law Ronald Elliott of Springfield, MO; and brother-in-law Jack Sanders of Neosho, MO.

Survived By: Her devoted husband of nearly 70 years, William Minter Stone, Jr. ("Bill"). Siblings: Barbara Sanders of Neosho, MO; Mary Elliott of Battlefield, MO; James "Jim" and Leila Emack of Hutchison, KS; and Edward and Carolyn Beck of Greenfield, MO. Sons: James Richard (Rick) Stone of Springfield, MO; William David Stone and Jennifer Lee Jeffries Stone of Rogersville, MO. Grandsons: Taylor Quinn Stone and his wife Chanler Robbins Stone of Battlefield, MO; and Tucker Liam Stone, who resides at home.

Betty is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart: Kent (Christy) Sanders, Mark (Michelle) Sanders, Rhonda (John) Tindell, Tammy (Philip) Richardson, Tim (Lori) Elliott, Jeremy (Luisa) Emack, Julia (Bryan) Banz, Ben (Nettie) Beck, and Tona Heydt.

Service Details: Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Nolan Porter will officiate, with Rev. David Stone assisting. A graveside service will follow at Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri State Baptist Student Union (https://springfieldbsu.org/) or the ARC of the Ozarks (https://thearcoftheozarks.org/).

The service will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/DavidStone91/