Betty Jeanne Stone, 101

Betty Jeanne Stone passed away Nov. 16, 2025. She was born April 17, 1924, in Winchester, Idaho, to Willetta and Gordon Boyle. Her parents divorced, and she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Hazel and Elmer Harris. She graduated valedictorian from Winchester High School in 1942. She attended the University of Idaho in their three-year accelerated program, where she received her teaching certificate. 

Betty traveled to San Angelo, Texas, where she married her high school sweetheart, Air Cadet Raymond Stone, on July 8, 1944. One month later, Raymond was shipped overseas, and Betty returned to Winchester and started teaching school until the war was over, and Ray returned home.

They moved to Spokane, Wash., to attend Whitworth University, where they received advanced degrees. She had an extensive background from the University of Idaho, Whitworth University, the University of Wyoming, the University of Oregon and San Diego State University. The Stones moved to Coeur d’Alene, and Betty started teaching at Winton Elementary School. Betty went on to teach at Borah, Bryan, and Coeur d’Alene High School, where she retired as a counselor in 1980. She then went into real estate for a few years until her husband was elected mayor. Betty served on the first Coeur d’Alene Cemetery Board, where they started the Avenue of Flags in Forest Cemetery. She worked for 13 years as a volunteer at Kootenai Medical Center and volunteered at the City Public Library. She was a longtime member of the Women’s Association. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. 

Betty’s passions were gardening, reading and providing passionate care for family and friends. 

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray, and her son, Dan. Survivors include her sister, Mary Ann Swinson of Sarasota, Fla., her cousin, Patty Burton of Spokane, Wash., her foster brothers: Art and Nancy Michaels, Jim and Linda Michaels; three grandchildren: Angie Wilson, Michelle Julian, Chris Stone; her devoted and loved friend, Kathie Cole; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Forest Cemetery, 1011 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, with Pastor McLane Stone officiating.

Contributions may be made to the North Idaho College Foundation Raymond Stone Memorial Scholarship or to Companions Animal Center (www.companionsanimalcenter.org), where they obtained their beloved cat, Charlie.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Betty’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.