Marilyn G. Stones passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in Gilbert, Arizona where she had lived with her daughter, Marilee Michelsen, for the past 2 ½ years. She was 87.
Marilyn was born on September 29, 1936 in Tremonton, Utah to Herman, Jr. and Leora Marie Thompson Eberhard. She was raised on the family farm in nearby Bothwell and was the oldest of three children. Her father died when she was ten years old and her mother remained a widow for the rest of her life. Marilyn was devoted to her mother, and cared for her tenderly in her later years. Her mother died in 1993.
Marilyn married Floyd C. John on November 28, 1952, and they had five children together. They divorced in 1968. Marilyn supported her family as a secretary while she was a single mother. She married Larry Delbert Stones on July 12, 1974 in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was also Larry’s second marriage, and he brought his five children into the marriage. The couple was sealed on August 28, 1982 in the Jordan River Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
They lived in Salt Lake City, Midvale, and then later in St. George, Utah after Larry retired. Marilyn was devoted to her husband, and they lived a full, rich life together. She cared for him at the end of his life under difficult circumstances during the COVID pandemic. He died on May 16, 2021.
Marilyn was kind, and wonderful, and loved by all who knew her. She lived her life without a lot of fanfare, and enjoyed simple pleasures like cross stitching and putting together jig saw puzzles. She was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in a variety of callings.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents; sister, Anita Bishop; a son, Cory Lynn John; a stepson, Larry Graig Stones; and two daughters-in-law, Tamara Kay John, and Carol Ann John. She is survived by a brother, ValGene (Karen) Eberhard; four children, James Brent (Diane) John, Brian Floyd (Alice) John, Craig John, and Marilee (Jeff) Michelsen; four stepchildren, Christine Lynn (Howard) Norton, Todd Arthur (Coy) Stones, Mitchell Andersen (Lisa) Stones, and Traci Dionne (Colin) Archuleta; along with a generous and joyful number of grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Marilyn will be cremated, and her and Larry’s ashes buried in his father’s family plot in the Salt Lake City Cemetery later, in the spring of next year. The family will hold a graveside service at that time. The cemetery is located at 200 N Street in Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund.
We value our time and experiences with our dear friends Marilyn and Larry. We are happy that they are in each other’s arms and loving being together again .
I am just hearing of Marilyn’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Marilyn was such a bright spot in our church community and always had such a gift of kindness and love toward others.