Renee ‘Bunny’ Stone

Our beloved mother, wife and grandmother drew her last breath, surrounded by family, on Oct. 7, 2017, at 92 years young. Renee Worchesek Stone was born in Fargo, ND, to Leo A. and Gorena E. Worchesek on Feb. 7,1925. Officially named after her mother, the new little baby was lovingly called "Bunny," which suited her well throughout her life.

Leo and Gorena moved their young family to Grand Forks, ND, where Bunny began grade school. Tragically, father Leo died when Bunny was 9 years old, followed by her mother's death when she was 11. She was adopted by Dr. and Mrs. Clarence Moberg in 1936. After graduating from Detroit Lakes High School, Bunny pursued a college degree, majoring in Home Economics from Iowa State University, graduating in 1940.

Bunny enjoyed a professional career ranging from nutritionist with Beechnut Baby Food Co.; Home Advisor with Michigan Consolidated Gas Co in Detroit, MI; District Rep. of So. Counties Gas Co. in Los Angeles, CA. These positions were reflections of her indomitable spirit and drive, a true accomplishment for a determined young girl from North Dakota.

Our mother met Ralph J. Stone, "the best thing that ever happened to her," fell in love and were married on June 10, 1961. They immediately relocated to Cuernavaca, Mexico, where Ralph, having worked for Superior Honey Co., managed the beeswax candle division. They moved back to California and lived in Fresno and LA before moving one more time to Billings in 1964. With a new life and growing family, she worked for the Billings School District as an aide at Washington School, The Host program, and as media technician at McKinley School.

Always a force of Nature, Bunny was an enthusiastic volunteer in her active retirement. She was a charter member of the Alberta Bair Volunteer Corps, a classroom volunteer in School District 2, and a service volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital. As a survivor of lung cancer, she loved being a patient representative at the hospital and also was active with the Relay For Life organization.

As a home economist, Bunny's lifelong fascination was entertaining, decorating, and cooking from her large collection of cookbooks. She excelled in needlepoint, crewel embroidery and enjoyed knitting many sweaters and scarves. She was a meticulous dresser and cared deeply about presentation and style. Bunny and Ralph were inseparable, enjoyed working together, and especially loved to travel. Some of their favorite destinations were Hong Kong, China, Hawaii, New Zealand, Panama and Nova Scotia. What brought great joy to Bunny was being involved with her children, Kari Stone Gunn (Ken) and M. Spencer Stone, both of Billings. She adored her grandchildren, Chad Westerland of Tucson, AZ, and twin granddaughters Mackenzie Stone and Madison Stone, both in college.

Bunny cherished her family, loved connecting with friends old and new, and especially loved attending church, where she was guided by her Savior. She was a colorful, vivacious, passionate and tenacious mother and grandmother and, through it all, she never stopped holding Ralph's hand. Special thanks to her doctors and especially to her caregivers at West Park Village and RiverStone Hospice care.

We love you, Mom! Sail away on your peaceful cruise. You earned it.

A celebration of life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. N., on Monday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice. The Billings Studio Theatre was one of her favorites.