George Stone

George Lawrence Stone, age 90, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Homestead Assisted Living Center, surrounded by family & loved ones.

Born on January 4th, 1936, in St. Anthony, Idaho. George was the only son of George Edward Stone and Reva Bird Munk Stone. He joined his sister, Marla; they have enjoyed a close loving relationship throughout their lives. He lived in Ashton, Idaho from his birth until 1942, when his family moved to Southern California. While in Long Beach, California he experienced the only Japanese air raid on the continental United states during the second world war. He graduated from Long Beach Wilson High School in 1954, and from California State University at Fullerton in 1962. He later earned his master’s degree from the University of Mississippi in 1969.

He learned to cut meat in his father’s markets while in Junior high and High School. He worked as a meat cutter from his high school graduation until he started teaching high school in 1964. He taught high school chemistry at South Fremont High School in St. Anthony, Idaho; in Las Vegas, Nevada; and at Sugar Salem high school in Sugar City, Idaho. In 1969 he started teaching chemistry at Ricks College; later BYU-Idaho, where he taught until his retirement in 2002. He had the opportunity to be the Chemistry department chairman at two different timesduring his College/University teaching career. He taught himself home construction and furniture building through study and experience and would build a house during each summer. This became a family affair; he taught his children many great skills and lessons as the family worked together. He continued to do woodwork and built many beautiful pieces of furniture. He built tables, cedar chests, many clocks as well as other beautiful pieces of furniture for his home and family members. He continued to learn and study throughout his life; he was particularly interested in history and was an avid reader. He collected coins since his youth and added them to collections started by his parents. He enjoyed target shooting and continued to be an excellent marksman.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many positions over the years. Notably, he was serving as the bishop of the Wilford ward at the time of the Teton Damn flood on June 5th, 1976. Most of the homes in the ward were washed away or significantly damaged; this was an extremely challenging time in his life. He served as an ordinance worker in the Rexburg Idaho temple, and continued to love temple work, attending as often as possible. He attended the temple just 3 days before his passing.

On August 30, 1956, He married Diana Leslie Hawthorne in the Los Angeles Temple. They had nine children: Shelly, Holly, Larry, Dan, James, Corey, Joshua, and twins Jacob and Joseph who died at birth. They divorced in 1985.

On June 24th, 1986, he married Gloria Anne Grass in the Idaho Falls Temple. They had many wonderful and challenging years together. In 2024 Gloria suffered a stroke and since that time, due to circumstances beyond their control, they have not been able to be together. This has caused grief and sadness, yet he has continued to express gratitude for blessings and enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren. He made many friends and participated in many activities at the Homestead Assisted Living Center.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Shelly Stone, Son-in-law, Bruce Forbush, Grandsons, Danny Stone, Brigham Forbush, Blake Beddes, and Brian Beddes; Great Granddaughters Eva Forbush and Ethne Stone, great grandson, Daniel Bodily Jr.

He is survived by his spouse, Gloria Stone; his sister, Marla Walker; Children, Holly Forbush, Larry (Marilyn) Stone, Dan (Angela) Stone, James Stone, Corey Stone, and Joshua (Geanina) Stone; 24 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren,1 great-great grandson; and many other relatives and friends.

Private family services were held on Tuesday, March 24. Interment was in the Wilford Cemetery under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of the Homestead Assisted Living in Rexburg and Homestead Hospice for the exceptional care and kindness shown to George.