Thelma Stone, age 89, of Nevada, died Sunday, September 20, 2015, at Story County Medical Center in Nevada.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 24, 2015, at Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada, with Pastors Myron Herzberg and David Burling officiating.  Burial will follow in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. 

Thelma Marie Stone was born on September 5, 1926, at home in McCallsburg, Iowa, to Tygo and Martha (Westre) Caltvedt.  She grew up and attended school in McCallsburg, graduating from McCallsburg High School in 1944.

On August 8, 1946, Thelma was united in marriage to Jimmie Stone at Bethany Lutheran Church in McCallsburg.  The couple was blessed with three children, Dennis, Lana, and Debra.  Thelma and Jimmie recently marked 69 years of marriage and were a model of love and commitment for their family and community.  They served as each others’ strength, in a marriage filled with love and friendship.  

Family and church were the main focus of Thelma’s life.  At Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada, she was active in various committees, and in earlier years served as Sunday school teacher and assisted with Luther League.  In the community she was a Boy Scout leader, enjoyed playing bridge, and participated in local activities.  Thelma will be remembered for her caring nature, her willingness to help others, and her legendary cooking abilities.

Thelma was a dedicated worker throughout her life.  She was employed at Donnelley’s with friends and neighbors, and at Iowa State University where she was beloved by the students and honored with a Dedication Brick on the wall at Alumni Center.

Thelma’s Norwegian heritage was a source of pride and celebration.  In 1998, she was delighted to travel to Norway with her family to connect with her roots.

Survivors include her husband, Jimmie; two daughters, Lana (Dan) Gogerty of Ames, and Debra (John) Milligan of Washington, D.C.; four grandchildren, Nicole (Joe) Spradling of Des Moines, Nathan (Andrea) Stone of Clive, David (Jessica) Gogerty of Ankeny, and Ellen (Austin) Hames of Ankeny; eight great-grandchildren, Kevin, James, Isabelle, Katherine, Tyler, Madison, Callan, and Savannah, as well as another great-granddaughter expected in November; a sister-in-law, Marie (Wally) Loney of McCallsburg; a cousin, Joyce (Clyde) Anderson of Des Moines; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Stone in 2012; her parents; and eleven brothers and sisters.

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Thelma and her family.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Story County Senior Care and the Story County Hospital for all their wonderful care through Thelma’s last few years.