Joyce Stone Obituary

Joyce Stone, age 73 of Pittsfield, IL passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025, at her home in Pittsfield. She was born February 7, 1952, in Pittsfield, IL to Paul and Kathlyn Huffman Raftery. Joyce married Albert Dale Stone February 19, 1977, in Barry, IL and he preceded her in death April 17, 2024. Joyce was a 1970 graduate of Barry High School and then went on to Beauty School and received her license. Over the years, she worked at several local beauty shops, bartended at the Hide-A-Way and Pittsfield American Legion. Joyce ended her working career as a school cook for Pikeland Unit #10 and was everyone's favorite Avon lady. She and Dale enjoyed spending time at the Moose Lodge where they were members, liked to play the slot machines, loved to listen to music at the Cardinal Inn and Senior Center, and always enjoyed going out to eat. Joyce spent her spare time knitting potholders and blankets, liked crafting, and was always up for a good visit. Her family was her whole world, and she could always be found attending her grandkids functions and loved that she was able to help raise them. Joyce could be stubborn and opinionated but will be remembered most for her caring heart and selfless ability to always help someone in need. Joyce is survived by daughter, Paula (Chris Beck) Stone of Pittsfield, IL; grandchildren, Levi (Delaynie Robinson) Borrowman, Hannah Whitley, Chloe (Brenden Blake) Stone, Kayden Gallagher, and Owen Gallagher; brother, Gene Raftery; sister-in-law, Margaret Raftery; and several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Kathlyn Raftery; loving husband of 47 years, Dale Stone; brother, John Raftery; niece, Amy Throne; and mother-in-law, Nellie Irene Stone. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with visitation held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Calvary Cemetery in Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce (Raftery) Stone, please visit our floral store.