Donna Rae (Kewley) Stone

Donna Rae Stone, 82, died on July 5, 2023, at home in Columbia with family by her side. Loving and fun-spirited, Donna was a devoted wife and mom who will be missed so much and never forgotten by her family and many friends. She reminded all of us to get through the tough times and remember to laugh. 

Donna was born March 29, 1941, in LaPorte, Indiana, to the late Raymond and Edna (Young) Kewley. The Kewley family owned and operated businesses in Texas and Michigan before landing in Columbia, Mo., in 1955 when they opened the Mugs Up Drive In. Donna grew up working for the business that's become a Kewley family legacy and Columbia icon, still open after more than 68 years. 

After graduating from David H. Hickman High School, Donna married Tommy Stone on August 4, 1960, and they started their own family with a son David and daughter Terri. They may have started as high school sweethearts but last summer, Donna and Tommy celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. 

Through the years, Donna was a full-time mom who always made time for family and friends. She enjoyed golf, ceramics and other artistic hobbies, as well as traveling often with Tommy. For several years, she also worked as a podiatrist assistant, bringing her humor and comfort to more than sore feet. 

In 1994, Tommy accepted a new position at Old Warson Country Club and the two moved to St. Louis. During their five years in St. Louis, Donna especially enjoyed the opportunity to live nearby and spend time with her life-long childhood friend Marilyn (Kile) Whilhite. The two continued to visit often after Tommy and Donna returned to Columbia in 1999. 

Donna was all about family and friends. She stayed in touch with many high school girl friends and always looked forward to the long lunches, fun and support they shared on a regular basis. 

She is survived by her husband, Tommy Stone; daughter, Terri Stone; and brother, Larry (Kay) Kewley. And she will always be lovable “Aunt Donna” to the many nieces and nephews she adored. 

Donna was preceded in death by her son, David Stone; brother, Ronald Wayne Kewley; sister, Rita Mae Kewley; and loving in-laws Earl and Doris Stone; Larry Stone; and Richard (Dicky) Stone who were all so special to her. 

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Donna’s life will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to:  Second Chance, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, Mo., 65202. 

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