Connie Stoner

Constance Joy Litwiller Stoner was born to Newell and Irene (Mininger) Litwiller on August 4, 1939 in a farmhouse near Middleton, Michigan. She went to her eternal home in the early morning hours of October 20, 2023, reaching the age of 84.

She had many happy childhood memories. She treasured the memory of “Daddy” reading the Bible and praying with the family. When she was in third grade, they moved to a farm near Carson City. She spoke often of the one-room school she attended, and the many friends she made there.

As a young girl Connie felt the call to give her heart to Jesus. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on March 9, 1952, by her father, Minister Newell Litwiller. She never wavered from these vows.

At the age of 18 Connie began working at the local hospital. This is when she first realized her love of nursing. She then spent three years in the mission at Greasewood, Arizona. This time of service was a highlight for her. Upon returning home she entered nursing school at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan.

In 1970, she moved to Ohio to assist with the care and patterning of her niece, Debbie. While in Ohio an opportunity came to enter anesthesia training at a local hospital. (This became her career for the next 20 years.) In 1977, she moved back to Michigan where she spent the remainder of her life.

Connie married Lester Stoner on August 30, 1981. Twenty-three happy and adventure-filled years were theirs to enjoy. They did much traveling, making many new friends along the way. Lester passed away in 2004 leaving Connie with precious memories.

Family ties were important to Connie, and she had a God-given talent for making friends. The love she freely gave was given back to her.

Those left to cherish fond memories are her two sisters Judy Good, Kidron, Ohio and Faith Nightingale, Hazelton, Idaho, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, her parents and two brothers-in-law, James Good and Eldon Nightingale.

Lester’s children and grandchildren were very special to her and she embraced them as her own.