Rheta Rae Stone

Rheta Rae Stone, 79, of Chetek, died peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2015 surrounded by her loving family at Sacred Heart hospital in Eau Claire, WI.

She was born on February 5, 1936 in Holmen, WI to Orrin and Marjorie Olson (Arneson). She was united in marriage with Richard “Rock” Stone on March 26, 1955 in Blair, WI.

She is survived by two daughters, Roxanne Jorstad (Joel) of New Richmond, WI; Rosalyn Govin (Chris) of Chippewa Falls, WI; two sons, Rodney Stone of Chetek and Randall Stone (Carleen) of Grant, MN; grandchildren, Nolan Swinghamer, Ryley Stone, Tyler Stone, Katie Govin, Bryant Stone, Michaela Jorstad and Drew Govin. She is further survived by her mother, Marjorie Arneson, (Blair, WI), mother-in-law, Lillian Odegard, (Blair, WI) and three sisters, Greta Johnson (Duane) of Blair, WI; Patricia Dahl (David) of (Manchester, IA); and Lois Roy (Glenn) of (West Dundee, IL). She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Orrin Olson; husband, Richard “Rock” Stone and loving nephew, Ronald “Reed” Stone.

Rheta worked for Allis Chalmers Company in La Crosse and then took time off to raise her family along with her nephews, Mark and Reed Stone, and her niece, Rhonda Wilhoit for a short period of time. The Stones moved to Chetek from Blair, WI in 1963. She later worked in the office of Knapp Haven for a number of years before establishing Rock Stone & Associates, Ltd., with her husband, which specialized in rubber floor mats for farm and sport applications, plus other farm-related products. They also operated several tree farms, growing and selling Christmas trees.

Rheta’s greatest pleasure was spending time with her family. She will always be remembered for the wonderful mother that she was, her kind heart and sense of humor. She enjoyed playing the organ and accordion and loved sharing stories, sewing, crocheting, knitting, canning, gardening, camping, snowmobiling, pontooning and dancing. She made fabulous meals for her family; her lefse and spaghetti sauce being her grandchildren’s favorites.  She was a wonderful hostess and enjoyed cooking for friends while listening to big band music during the warm summer nights.

Thank you to the doctors (Dr. Kyle Dettbarn, Dr. Thomas Peller, Dr. Maddikunta, and Dr. Kidess), nurses (Erica, Jessica, Christy, Sara and Tami) and paramedics (Rebecca, Randi and Kevin) who touched our hearts with their professionalism and empathy. Sacred Heart hospital was a great place to be. Thank you very much for your outstanding care.

Rheta wished to express her love to her mother, sisters, nieces, and nephews. A special thank you to neighbors, Steve and Sue Ohde and family for all the special things you did for her over the years – she appreciated it.

Rheta was loved by all, like a mother to many and invites family and friends to celebrate life – “I don’t want tears, please don’t dwell on loss, but rejoice in a life well lived.” With her children gathered around her she said, “This is good.”

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015 11:00 a.m. at Chetek Lutheran Church with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating. Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Please view and sign the online guestbook at www.burnhamours.com .

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.