Obituary

Jean Stone, 99, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026.

Born Ima Jean Yamnitz on February 1, 1927, in Alliance, Missouri, she was the daughter of Ralph Yamnitz and Aria Heitman and was raised in Patton, Missouri. She graduated from Patton High School in 1944, where she met Arnold Stone, Jr. Following his service in World War I!, they were married on June 8, 1948.

Jean and Arnold made their home in Berkeley, Missouri, where they raised their two daughters. She worked for many years as an assistant elementary librarian in the Berkeley and Ferguson-Florissant school districts until her retirement.

In retirement, Jean devoted her time to volunteering at Berkeley Presbyterian Church and enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, including trips to Hawaii, Europe, Bermuda, and numerous cruises. In 2010, they moved to John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit.

Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Arnold Stone, Jr., and her daughter, Susan Newburger of Parkville, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Pamela Stone; and her son-in-law, Michael Newburger.

Her celebration of life will be Friday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Lee’s Summit, 1625 NW O’Brien, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081.