Kathy Jane Stone's Obituary
Kathy Jane Wolbert Stone left this world peacefully during the morning of July 30th, 2023, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Her passing was due to complications from a cardiac event during a difficult recovery from pneumonia. Kathy was small in stature but mighty in presence. She lived her past several years as a very proud and fun grandma, a loving wife and caring mother. Her heart was tremendous in strength, she was witty, a daredevil, fearless and was never without an opinion. Kathy always had an open door to all and treated all her son’s friends as though they were family making sure all were well fed. Kathy had an admiration for gardens and always observed landscapes everywhere she went. Kathy had a particular liking to orchids and fragrant flowers. During the times Kathy traveled, she took an opportunity to collect clippings, interesting rocks, and preserve flowers to take back with her as souvenirs that she could grow in her garden or place carefully in a flower pressing. She had a green thumb refined by her time working in a nursery when she was younger. She loved animals and welcomed all into her heart including several stray cats that came to her door. Kathy retired from the Lake County School District where she drove a school bus for over 30 plus years. Many of the kids that rode Kathy’s bus over the years will remember her as the fun bus driver, and she always played the kids preferred music. Many will recall the excitement of when the school year would end, and the kids would have white out paper ball fights. Kids equipped with used notepads from the school year would happily rip all the paper and make paper balls and toss them around inside the school bus. It was a festive time so much so, she was pulled over by a fireman twice out of concern. This is just one example of how the fun bus driver would operate on her route. We will miss grandma and will carry her spirit and practice of endless gummy candy bowls, plentiful stock of spaghetti o’s, bountiful Christmases, and her distinct laughter. Kathy will be missed by many but especially by her husband Michael Stone, Son Christopher Stone (Kaitlin), granddaughter Ellie Mae Stone,
Mother-in-law Frances Juanita Stone. Kathy is survived by her beloved siblings; Patricia Galindo (Jamie),
Sherry Zielonka (William), Dianne Wolbert, Larry Wolbert (Lil). Siblings who preceded Kathy in death,
James Wolbert (MaryLinda), Fran White (Winslow), Linda Lopanik (Bob) Kathy’s surviving nieces and nephews; Jason Wolbert, Elaina Wolbert & Nicole Welch; Rodsley Galindo; Kim Wood & Tracy Alcorn; Don Ingram;, Bill & Michael Zielonka, Scott & James Wolbert. Mike and Malcolm Altman (deceased) And 20 great nieces and nephews: Kathy’s deceased parents were Hazel Elizabeth Holder Wolbert and Francis James Wolbert.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 14, 2023, from 10:00AM until 11:00AM at Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, Tavares. A Funeral Service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11:00AM. Interment will take place at Tavares Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778. (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com
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