Ellen Stone

At age 94, Ellen Jean Brunson Stone of Westerville slipped away to be with her Lord on September 23, 2017. Ellen was born in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of the late Karl E. and Ethyl Naugle, a banker and an elementary school teacher from Napoleon, Ohio. Ellen grew up on a small family farm in Cleveland, a bright skinny tomboy who loved reading books, raising bunnies and chickens, driving the Packard at age 12 plowing farm fields to help her father, and loving the outdoors.
In 1940, Ellen graduated from Cleveland Collinwood High School and went to Indiana University in Bloomington, where she put herself through college with a small scholarship and by working several jobs on campus. At IU, her love of animals led her to initially major in Zoology. Her education was interrupted for a couple of years during World War II, when she did her part in the war effort by working at the airplane factory in Cleveland; and after the war Ellen returned to Indiana University to resume her studies.
Determined to help people and work in health care, she applied to the IU School of Nursing in about 1946, and was enrolled in both schools. Before Ellen finished nursing school, she met Allen Brunson, a handsome young man who was also traveling back to school by train, and who would become the great love of her life.
Ellen received a B.A. in Zoology from Indiana University in 1947. On December 21, 1947, she married Allen Brunson in the Butler University Chapel. Ellen received a second B.A., in Nursing, from the IU School of Nursing in Indianapolis in June of 1948, and after graduation, she achieved her dream of becoming an R.N. After Allen finished graduate school, Ellen worked as a public health nurse in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where Allen taught college math in Sault Ste. Marie. Their two sons, David and Tom, were born there; and before David was five, the family moved to Euclid, Ohio, where Allen taught at Cleveland State for many years and Ellen continued her career in nursing.
Their family spent many summers traveling with a little pop-up camper trailer all over the United States and Canada. Their trip itineraries included spectacular stays in many national parks from Maine to California, and also visits with friends throughout the country, creating fond memories. Ellen was always the chief cook and bottle-washer, compass-keeper and caregiver for her crew of energetic men.
Ellen continued her career as a nurse in hospitals and public schools, and eventually, as the director and instructor of schools of practical nursing in Euclid and in Willoughby, Ohio. Being a nurse and caring for people was a true calling for Ellen, an accomplishment that was a source of great pride and joy her entire life.
Ellen had been retired for many years, and she lived the last 28 years in Westerville, having moved there with Allen from Euclid in 1989 to be near their two sons’ families. After Allen’s death in 1993, Ellen became the head of the Brunson family, a blessing for all of us to have her so close. By example, she encouraged her three grand-daughters to become strong and independent women, and she made sure they each received a college education to achieve their goals.
A tiny dynamo with a bright beautiful smile, kind loving heart, and generous soul, Ellen was an active member of the Westerville First Presbyterian Church and the PEO; enjoyed bird-watching excursions and Elderhostel getaways with Allen; delivered “Meals on Wheels”; and volunteered for over 20 years at the Westerville Public Library. Ellen had many friends and kept busy in retirement, including bowling in a league, tutoring adults who spoke English as a second language, quilting, square-dancing with the Westerville Promenaders, bicycling, walking, spending time with friends, participating in the local book club, traveling on cruise ships and abroad, and exercising at the recreation center. By everyone who loved her, Ellen will always be remembered as a true force of nature, an inspiration, and a model of God’s love.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Allen Widdis Brunson in 1993; second husband of 2 years, Edward Stone; younger brother, Karl E. Naugle; and older sister, Maralyn L. Heinlein.
Ellen is survived by two loving sons: David A. (Nea) Brunson of Columbus, and Thomas I. (Nancy) Brunson of Westerville; two step-sons: Richard (Kathy) Stone, and David (Jane) Stone; three adoring granddaughters: Andrea (Doug Niswander) Brunson of Richwood, Kelly Brunson of Seattle, and Dr. Sara Brunson of Westerville; 5 step-grandchildren: John (Heather) Stone, George (Kirsten) Stone, Karen Stone (Brian) Lynch, Libby Stone, and Sarah Stone; as well as step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on October 1st from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Moreland Funeral Home, 55 East Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081 www.morelandfuneralhome.com The funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Moreland Funeral Home, immediately following visitation, with the Rev. Mark Gauen officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Ellen to the Westerville First Presbyterian Church; the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO Sisterhood, Chapter FA Gahanna); or the Westerville Promenaders’ Square Dance Club. During her final illness, Ellen was wonderfully cared for at home by Hospice of Mt. Carmel and the generous and caring ladies from Home Instead Senior Care.