Judith Stone Obituary

Judith Ann (Combs) Stone, 81, of Sun City West, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home, as she wished, on March 6, 2025. She was a faithful Catholic, wife, and mother. Judy was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Edwin W. and Alice P. (Vinduska) Combs. She was a graduate of Bishop Ryan High School, and her first job was working for "Mrs. B" at Nebraska Furniture Mart. In 1965 Judy married Robert L. Stone in Omaha, a union that thrived for 60 years. Together Judy and Bob raised three children, worked, moved, traveled, laughed and loved. Wherever Judy set up house, she created a loving home. She appreciated nature's beauty, from agates to flowers to cactus. She was quietly artistic, collecting crystal accent pieces and, for many years, sewing sequined Christmas stockings which she gifted to the children of family and friends. Her hand-writing was impeccable. Judy most enjoyed time spent with family and friends. She laughed at her kids being silly together, and laughed more during rambunctious card games. From 1977 to 1987 the family lived in Solon, Iowa, a time remembered with special fondness. Many families raising their kids in Twin View Heights were good neighbors and became fast friends. In the summer Judy water-skied and swam (she could float on her back). On many nights laughter from a card party in the kitchen lulled her children to sleep. There was also discipline and consistency in Judy's household. She managed the family budget, and never left us wanting for anything important. Early on she had her kids doing regular chores and learning to appreciate a job well-done. She taught her children to be good people, and to "fess up" when we messed up. Judy herself only ever got one speeding ticket, that we know of. She was a dependable and devoted friend, sending personalized cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and especially at Christmas every year. Outside the home, Judy worked part-time in secretarial positions. Later she was certified in medical records coding and applied that skill at the Physician's Clinic in Omaha during the 1990s. Judy and Bob retired to Sun City West in 2001. They made lots of new friends among the "Tiger" group, and enjoyed long early morning walks, bike rides, and hikes in the desert. Judy was a founding member of the SCW Lady Putters. She was a big fan of professional tennis (the girls took her to the U.S. Open and Wimbledon), and men's college basketball. She did not particularly care to travel, but relished each destination. London, Italy, France, Spain, and a bit of Germany were highlights. A trip on the Canadian Pacific railroad, and road trips to the great national parks were particularly memorable. A few years ago, Judy and Bob drove through the mid-west and stopped at all of the houses where they had lived in Nebraska and Iowa. She created a scrapbook of the journey, a real trip down memory lane. Judy battled cancer five times, beginning in 1987. She bore each event with stoic matter-of-factness and refused to allow it to overtake her life. In the end, the treatments and time took their toll. She appreciated the excellent care she received from her oncology team, who considered her a rock star among cancer survivors. Everyone at Hospice of the Valley and Blessings for Seniors truly were a blessing during her final days. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Ronald Combs of North Carolina. She is survived by her husband, and her children: Kim (and Jeff) Kros of Scottsdale, Arizona; Scott (and Rosy) Stone of Charlottesville, Virginia; and Heather Stone of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is missed and remembered fondly by extended family and many good friends. Judy Stone dedicated her whole life to her family. With intention, she created a home where all of us were always glad to be. For that, we are eternally grateful. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel, 13738 W. Camino del Sol, Sun City West, AZ. Online video streaming will be available. Judy asks all in attendance wear vibrant, colorful attire – "Don't dress like you're attending a funeral." In lieu of flowers, Judy encouraged everyone to give blood. Blood transfusions save lives, and supplies are often low. Judy chose to be cremated, and to have her ashes returned to nature in the most beautiful landscape she ever saw, which struck her as having been created by the hand of God, and never altered. To live stream Judy's memorial service please go to https://www.viewlogies.net/caminodelsol/xHr7sdAWz?pin=751063. This live stream is perpetually held in case you are unable to virtually attend live, you can view it at a later time also.