Fred Jay Stone

Fred Jay Stone

OGDEN - On March 3, 2008, Fred Jay Stone passed away peacefully of heart failure, at the age of 84.

On August 14, 1923 Fred, of Utah pioneer heritage, was born at home in Ogden, Utah. He was the youngest son born to Fredrick Townsend Stone and Avis Areta Cross. Fred had one brother, Gage Cross Stone. His brother and parents preceded him in death.

Fred attended Ogden City Schools and graduated with the Ogden High School class of 1941. He also attended Weber State College. He married Beverly jean Larsen in 1943. She preceded him in death. He married Olive L. Bedell and she also preceded him in death.

He joined the AAF as a Bombsight Gyroscopic and Electronic Specialist with the 4145th AAF BU. His assignment was with the 509th Composite Group. Also, he was later assigned to the G2 Intelligence Unit and to the new US Air Force. "I changed uniforms from khaki to green; the rest was all the same." Fred was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal WWII and the American Campaign Medal.

He opened a children's clothing store in Boise ID called "Heaven to 7." He returned to Ogden and opened a lady's clothing store "Miss America Shop." He was employed at Hill Air Force Base. He branched out into real estate building, remodeling, selling and renting homes and buildings under the name S. Investment Co. Inc. of Ogden. Later, in his business career, he was instrumental in opening another clothing store, "The Family Stone", two gas stations for Husky Oil and selling used cars. He was owner and operator of Stone Corporation Inc., selling furniture. He opened Fred's Trading Post, selling used clothing and other items, used books, Indian items and western items. Later he went into selling hand made Navajo Indian pottery with partner Annie L. Yazzie at the State Fair. They attended many fairs in Utah, California, Wyoming, Nevada and Idaho and also swap meets.

He married his partner and best friend Annie Lane Yazzie on November 26, 2001.

Fred came from a very good and loving family. He remarked often, "He was a blessed person to have such a good and caring family and a wonderful Mother (who was the boss of the family) who gave his brother and him a good and proper start in life. The best family a man could have."

Some of Fred's fondest family memories are of his great-grandfather, Amos Peace Stone of New York, who came West with the John Young wagon train. Amos was an herbal doctor and blacksmith for the trip west. Amos moved to Ogden to live on the Mound Fort. He purchased the remains of the trapper's cabin on the Weber River and rebuilt it to use for his blacksmith shop at 1450 Washington Blvd. The Stone family later gave the cabin to the LDS Museum (next to the temple on Washington Blvd.) where it stands today.

Fred in keeping with his benevolent way donated clothing, food, toys and winter coats to the homeless, to the LDS Mission and to On Wings of Eagles to help the Jewish AC.migrAC.'s resettlement into the Holy Land. He helped single mothers with their rent, and donated many items such as guitars and violins an gave them to the children from his store and also donated many items to the Navajo people. He was sensitive and caring to those less fortunate; he gave coffee and donuts to homeless and disabled veterans living on the street.

Fred had fond memories and experiences with the CW Cross Western Store (Dee, Kenneth, Joan, Walker and E.G. Cross). The best memories of his childhood were riding horses, fun games and recreational activities. The support and love of his Mother's Cross family were a great and wonderful part of the foundation toward his journey in life.

Fred attended the LDS Ogden 7th Ward on 13th St. in his youth. He was a kind and compassionate person. He remodeled and built our many "homes" to be places of joy. He loved his "many" dogs and cats, he took in hurt and injured wild life birds, dogs and cats; he was a gentle care giver. He also loved country music and his family. "I love you Blackie, Linda, Collie and Teddy. Take good care of Annie and Monty. I love you all."

Fred is survived by his loving wife Annie Lane; his loving children Charlotte Stone, Claudia Hardman, Fred Randal Stone, Jay Scott Stone and son Monty Yazzie; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services to celebrate Fred's life will be held Monday, March 31, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Myers Mortuary Chapel, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden. Friends may call at the mortuary on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

At Fred's request, in lieu of flowers please send donations and THANK YOU'S to our retired and disabled veterans at the Veterans Hospital in SLC, Utah. "Thank them for saving our freedom and our nation in times of war."

Fred and his family would like to thank the many kind and gentle caregivers, physicians, neighbors and friends. Very special thanks to Dee Cross, IHC Home Health Care and Hospice, John Gruber, Paul Duncan Julia Lee and the LDS Church.
VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden
100 Monroe Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84404
March 30, 2008
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ServiceMyers Mortuary - Ogden
1875 Monroe Blvd
Ogden, Utah 84401
March 31, 2008
1:00 PM
CemeteryOgden City Cemetery
20th and Madison
Ogden, UT 84404
March 31, 2008