Mary Ridge Stone

Mary “Tootsie” Ruth Ridge Stone, age 98, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born June 21, 1927, to the late Gloro Etta Tysinger Ridge and Benjamin Carson Ridge. She lived the last 2 months of her life at Brookdale Senior Solutions in Lexington, NC. Mary retired from AT&T after 29 years of faithful service. She was a lifelong member of Bethesda Church in Welcome, NC, where she played the organ and the piano for many years. Mary loved the Lord and taught her family to do the same. She will be remembered for her sweet spirit and her love of dogs.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Ray Stone Jr.; her daughter, Sharon Stone Acosta; her son, Kevin Durand Stone; and her beloved sister, Ruby Mae Fields.

She is survived by her daughter, Rene Stone Hege (Fred Wesley Hege); and three grandchildren who knew her as “Nanny”, Paul Stephen Staley (Robin Matheson Staley), Anna Kathryn Hege, and Holly Ruth Hege.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Gideons International or Bethesda Church, 2922 Bethesda Rd, Lexington, NC 27295.

A private graveside service for immediate family will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Stone family.