Grandma Stone - 90 Years of a Great Heritage

The following is from a spotlight in Grandma Stone's Ward newsletter:

Ranae Davis was born in Latuda, Carbon County, Utah, the third of five girls, born to Levi and Alice Thorpe Davis. In 1929 the family moved to Springville.

Clyde and Ranae met while attending Springville, High School. Clyde was a football and track star  (Dad told me he ran the 100 yard dash in 9.8 seconds, that's pretty good!) and took the lead in several of the high school operas. (He had a beautiful voice) Ranae was a dancer and baton twirler with the band. They graduated from Springville High in 1941. That fall Clyde enrolled at BYU.

They were married on the 18th of June, 1942 in the Salt Lake Temple. A few month later Clyde was drafted into the Army and Ranae went to work for the Selective Service3 in Provo. After three months, Clyde was sent to England. He went into France on the 2nd day at Omaha Beach. He was with the Army Engineers and saw duty in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was also in the Battle of the Bulge. He returned home in November, 1945 and in February, 1946, they moved to Long Beach, CA where he worked for General Motors and later built and operated the Stone's Motel on Pacific Coast Hwy.

Ranae and Clyde have both worked in numerous church positions on the ward and stake level.

When they left Long Beach, and moved to Bellflower, the Long Beach Ward wrote a poem about them:

The Rolling Stones

Long Beach was made richer some years ago
By a couple who came from the ice and the snow.
Seeking their fortunes, in this strange new land
Of palm trees and oil wells, of beach and sand.
Clyde had but recently been home from the wars
Where he fought for the flag, with its clear strips and bright stars.
Now they were eager to settle and to forget those past years
Of parting and worry, of heartaches and tears.
So they headed for Long Beach, this happy young pair,
Little knowing the happiness that awaited them there.

They set right to work and soon were a part
Of the old Parkview Ward and everyones's heart.
Friendships flourished and continued to thrive
While they awaited their first little babe to arrive.
Who can forget that glad day in December?
Clyde and Ranae will always remember.
That was the day of the coming of Susan,
An especially bright spirit whom God must have chosen.
The light that she brought, this baby divine,
Has down through the years continued to shine.
And no little child could ever have had
A more devoted Mother and Dad.

Time flew on, filled with service and work.
They were never known duty to shirk.
They church was made brighter by Clyde's lovely voice.
While good-natured Ranae was everyone's choice.
And now their hearts, again, were made gay by one baby more.
Instead of three Stones--now we have four.
And who could believe that little Sallie the clown
Would grow up to be the "most" gal in town.
But if we wait just a bit--there'll be one more to report.
He's the pride and joy of a happy Dad.
Who could it be but our mischievous Brad.

Things then went on serene, light, and airy.
When who should show up but a pixie named Barry.
This spry little guy left heaven a wreck,
And all the angels agreed, he was a pain in the neck.
But still they were mighty sad that day,
Just knowing he'd gone down to Earth for his stay.
But they rested assured, 'cause it was well known
He was going to live with this family named Stone.
They welcomed and loved him, for now their joy was complete.
Two boys and two girls make a family quite neat.

Ranae was needed in Primary and she answered the call
In the sight of the Lord, this woman stands tall.
With Clyde and her family, who support her with love,
She's been able to work for her Father above.
But should she turn up mission--you won't need guesses three
To know that her trailer's parked under a tree,
Where she's soaking up sunshine, with some of the gals.

Well, this is the story of the Rolling Stones,
And that we're going to miss them,
We're making no bones.
It will be many a month before the emptiness mends.
But we wish God's choicest blessings
On the Stones, our old friends.

(End of Poem)

My Mom was dearly loved by all. She still keeps in contact with her friends from Long Beach, as well as her old high school friends that are still alive.

Today we celebrated her 90th birthday. She has lived a long full life, and has been an influence to all who have touched her life. Noticeably she is slowing down. Her mind is not as keen as it has been in the recent past. I don't know how much longer we will have her on this earth, but this I know, she loves (Immensely loves!) visits from her grandkids and great grandkids. So as you can take the time to go down, she would love a visit.

She may even treat you to the Sizzler...yummy.

Love, Dad