A. Lois Stoner
December 15, 1918 – December 29, 2016
Anna Lois Stoner was born December 15, 1918 on a farm near Prairie City, Iowa, to Walter and Mildred (Offill) Telfer, the second child in a family of 8 children. Growing up on a farm, she learned to milk cows, put up hay, pull weeds, replant corn, and tend garden. She attended country school through 8th grade.
In 1931 a drunk driver hit the family car killing her mother, 7-year-old sister and 4-year-old brother. Her father later remarried and 6 more children were added to the family.
She graduated valedictorian from Prairie City High School in 1936. Then she attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa and graduated in 1940 with a degree in English, history and Latin. She taught 2 years before marrying a high school classmate, Roy Stoner, who was in the Air Corps, taking them to Newburgh, New York. They made their home in Prairie City when his service ended and later in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They were married 48 years before his death from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) She taught high school AP English classes in both locations, and was a very dedicated teacher, always making time for students who needed extra help.
Faith, family, friends and service were very important to her. Lois was a long-time member of the Prairie City Methodist Church, serving in many capacities: MYF leader, S.S. Supt., and historian for the centennial. She joined the First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs in 1959 and again became very active: proofreading sermons, Circle chairman, giving programs, church greeter, Quilting Circle, and United Methodist Women. She made her first quilt while in country school and blessed family and friends with beautiful quilts through the years. Her work was completely by hand, and was perfection! She was also active in Eastern Star, Delta Kappa Gamma, and P.E.O.
In 2013, Lois moved to Redwood Heights in Salem, Oregon, to be near her daughter and family. She died December 29th at the age of 98. Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Margaret Stone (Sax) of Salem; and son, Donald of Colorado Springs; three grandsons: Douglas (Candace) of Eaton, Colorado, Mark (fiancée Crystal Withers) and Brian (Melissa) of Salem; two great-grandchildren: Hudsen Michelle (3) and Dallas Harrison Stone (8 mos.) of Salem; sister Trula Telfer of Urbandale, Iowa; and brother, Ronald Telfer of Newton, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Myrna; husband, Roy in 1990; eight sisters: Edith Moore, Elsie Fatka, Wilma Briles, Irma and Vera Telfer, Marilyn Elrod, Myrna Schmitt and Grace Shuey; and three brothers: Merwyn, Robert, and Wilber Telfer.
Lois’ family deeply appreciates the love and care she received from the staff at Redwood Heights and Willamette Valley Hospice. A memorial service will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO on Wednesday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m., visitation at 1:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church, U.M.W. at 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.