Garold Ray Stone

G.R.Stone Accounting, a dependable fixture in the business world of Walla Walla, was established in 1980.  Even this year, Garold (Jerry), 94, was in his office as often as his health would permit.

Though a longtime resident of Walla Walla, he was born in Jewell County, Kansas to “Doc” and Angie Stone in 1924.  He grew up, along with his two younger brothers, farming the family land.  When hard times hit in the 30’s, his family began their journey West, eventually settling in North Idaho.  Garold stayed behind and finished his high school education in Kansas.  He had a gift for mathematics and athletics, especially track.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and trained to become a radio operator and navigator and later trained with the first radar.  After the war, he finished his education by going to college for a degree in accounting but remained in the army reserves until 1953.  He worked at many occupations throughout those years- collecting stories and adventures that he would later regale with great relish to his children, family, friends and clients.

On one of his visits to the family home in Idaho, a spunky young woman caught his eye.  In 1953, he married Alma J. and they lived for a time on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho.  They had three children, Valinda, Garold C., and Carolyn in the 7 years they lived there. The Stone family moved to Walla Walla in 1960 and settled in to the valley where their 4th child, Thayne was born. And still later, with always room for more, a fifth child, Dee Edgar joined the family. Garold & Alma were active in the Walla Walla community and made many friends throughout their years here.

As much as he loved to tell a story he was an avid reader- a love he encouraged and shared with all of his children. He is remembered by his friends and family for, not only his stories, but his talented harmonica “concerts” and beautiful tenor voice, his many bowling trophies, jokes and belly laughter, love of gardening, and his dedication to his many clients throughout the years.   He had a fierce loyalty, sense of fairness and honesty, and a soft heart.

He leaves behind his wife Alma Stone of Walla Walla, Washington, Daughters Valinda (Marc) Krieger of Ariel, Washington and Carolyn (Bill) Keyes of Wall Walla, Washington.  His sons Thayne (Vickie) Stone of College Place, Washington and Dee (Sandy) Owens of Maple Valley, Washington; and Daughter-in-law Barb Stone of College Place, Washington.  He also has a passel of deeply loved grandchildren; Morgan Martin, Mallorie Anderson, Connor Reese, Derek Stone, Erin Stone, Katie Keyes, Jennifer Keyes, Jacob Keyes, Briston Stone, Stephanie Owens, Gabbie Owens., Jackie Gregg and 4 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his son, Garold C. Stone., and his brothers Ladd Stone and Bill Stone.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 from 3:00PM-7:00PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.  The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 2:00PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home with Reverend Joel Ley, Officiating.  A Private Family Interment will be held at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder, Walla Walla, WA.