April 04, 2023

I wanted to share this at the open mic during the service, I could not quite hear the gentleman who explained it would be skipped.  Now I realize I would not have said this much but had more time to share more clearly.  So this is a God intended thing.  
 
Mr. & Mrs. Stone (yes, I am in my 50’s and you are still Mr. & Mrs.) your family has always been incredibly special to me and will always hold a dear place in my heart. 
 
I remember being in late middle school and this family moved in right ‘next door’ to me.  What is important for those who don’t know, I lived out in the ‘country’ of south Jersey, on the edge of the woods with this large field and property next to us with a ranch house.  So, to have a family move in right next door, with a son my age who I quickly connected with, was very random and awesome.  What I didn’t know at first, but learned quickly, was what you were also a family who loved and lived for Christ and shared the similar values that I had been taught in my home.  
What I also quickly realized was that my new friend Mike had a sister Cindy with significant special needs.  I am not sure if I even knew anyone at that time in my life with disabilities or any other special needs.  But during these years of my life I realized that ‘normal’ is overrated, and that ‘special’ is an understatement.  
 
Mr. and Mrs. Stone, as those crucial years went on, you taught me so much about life, living and loving. I remember vividly all the times in your home, vacations you invited me on, day trips, parks, lakes, boating, special events, family parties where I was grafted in as part of your family. I remember the challenge Mike and I would have of where we would have diner after hanging out all afternoon, and it really came down to who’s Mom was making a better dinner that day and what we were in the mood for.   In all of it, you consistently demonstrated a level of love, care and sacrifice that most rarely witness.   
I remember the exercises you talked about during the service with Cindy, the intense care you gave her everyday, the feeing, times I got to help, make her smile.  I remember the inclusion that was just ‘normal’ with her engaged in every facet of life.  I remember when she was able to get one of her first ‘typewriters’ that she could use to express herself by jerking up her knee on the correct letter.  I remember how intelligent she showed herself to be and how much I just didn’t know her capabilities, I was so ignorant.  Your relentless love and care did not seem like a burden at all to you, and your daily sacrifice you never showed as a sacrifice.  
I realized and remembered so much this Saturday at the celebration of Cindy’s life.  After greeting your family, instead of sitting on my phone waiting, I just sat there and watched the pictures, soaked it in, shed some tears and let the Lord bring to the surface so many memories and feelings.  He used that time and the service to help me reflect on my life now and the impact you had. 
 
Your example to me has truly marked me for life and I know that my compassion, love and engagement to those in need is a big reflection and result of you.  I can’t help but think that partly because of you, God burdened and prepared me for adoption of 2 of our 4 kids.   
I am so thankful God put Mike in my life, he was one of my greatest friends and I miss him so much.  Meeting his son now as an adult was pretty overwhelming, it was so good to talk with him and give him a hug.  
But I also realized yet again that God wanted your entire family in my life as a teen and young adult, you as parents, Mike and all 3 sisters.  Cindy was such a precious person and the thought of her smile still makes me smile.  I am so glad I was able to be at the service this weekend to hear more of what her adult life was like, how God used her and more of her story since our lives went different ways.  I loved hearing of her love for the Lord, music and the lost.  I laughed so hard at the celebration of her determination and stubbornness, I remember witnessing that first hand  It is so cool how God uses those traits for good and He did with Cindy. 
 
Thank you for loving Jesus and your family the way God designed, and modeling it well for your other kids.  I can’t even imagine the last 46 years for you, but I know your kingdom impact is wide and strong.  Thank you for welcoming me into your family all those years.  Thank you for letting Jesus use you to make others better even when you were only doing what you wanted to as parents.  
 
May God continue to richly bless you in the days and years to come in your new ‘normal’, which again, is so overrated.  
Love you all, Nick Miller 
 

April 04, 2023

Cindy,s family
i am so sorry for your loss
i know her from handi camp I been thinking about Cindy 
 
 
Colleen Spencer

April 01, 2023

I’m blessed to have known Cindy as a young girl from the times I spent over their house hanging out and sleeping over as I was friends with Michele in high school. Sweet times and memories. So glad I could watch this service today! It was a blessing to hear more about her life. I hope to connect with Michele and the rest of the family soon. We do not live that far apart. ♥️ 
Kris Schill, friend from years past

April 01, 2023

You all are in my prayers during this time! I am so sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing yet so happy for her to be with our savior and pain free!! What I remember most about Cindy is her smile and joyful attitude at every SNOW den at FAC in Medford , NJ!!! She lit up the room with her smile and love for Jesus !! We do miss her !!! She was good friends with Bo Yavonkin and now they are reunited with our savior!!! God bless the stone family and Lord please be their refuge and strength and restore their purpose in You!!! hugs and blessings,
Stephanie Kovatch, my mom Marge Kovatch Payne and FAC Snowden family

March 31, 2023

Cindi’s absence will be felt in Bible club. He home going is bittersweet. I can hardly wait to see her sitting, kneeling, and praising God before His throne. You have all been so good to her all these years, my heart breaks for the hole left in your hearts. My God be near you as you heal. 
ELIZABETH VENDLEY

March 30, 2023

Ralph and Isabelle, sending prayers to you and your family.
Cindy was a beautiful and an amazing young lady, full of joy and a bit of mischief!
It was such a pleasure to work with her. She will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. 
Patty Regina

March 27, 2023

Oh Isabelle and Ralph 😲!  To have that dear bright light of Cindy missing from this world!  She was SO much fun to be with, either at H*VMI picnics or banquets or up at Joni and Friends.  I still remember with much chuckling how long it took for her to eat at the JAF youth banquet while you guys had yours.  TILL yours was over, and Ralph came to get her.  He told us she had had enough.  She didn’t THINK so and started chowing down.  She managed to finish her whole meal in MINUTES, smiling all the time.  I will miss her, and am praying for you.
Linda Coulter

March 27, 2023

My prayers are with family and friends.🙏❤️
Celia Wallace

March 27, 2023

We will always treasure all our times with Cindy,one of my favorite memory is how we would say  ,Let’s get the girls together and take them out.Im so sorry we didn’t get to do it alot more .You and Ralph were such an inspiration to me and Glen,with the way u cared for Cindy. She was so blessed to have u two for parents. Now she gets to be with our most loving Father in Heaven. However she will be surely missed by all of us down here.God  Bless
          With love ,Kathy ,Glen
And of course Lynsy.Our sweet angel 😇 

March 26, 2023

I have so many happy memories of Cindy. I’m really going to miss her and her wonderful smile.  I will keep all of you in my prayers for peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Connie Lynn Quinn

March 26, 2023

Taking care of Cindy was one of the greatest experiences of my life. She was such an amazing person. I am so sad I can’t make it that far for the funeral. Please know I am thinking and praying for you.
Jill Hurley

March 26, 2023

I am so sorry, Stone Family! When I was a kid, my family spent a lot of time with Cindy and the Stones. At 8 years old, I watched as Isabelle and Ralph cared for Cindy. I remember her sweet smile and laugh. I was amazed that she could use her knees to spell words through her communication board. She was an inspiration to me – as were her parents. Who knew that 30 some years later, watching their family dynamic set a foundation for my own family as I am now caregiving for my two sons with disabilities. Thank you so much to the Stone Family for touching my life so profoundly – you will never know just how much so <3 I am so sad to hear about Cindy’s passing – and you have my parents and my prayers and deepest sympathies!! 
Erin (McClure) Smith

March 26, 2023

I had the honor of knowing and spending time with Cindy in various ways since 2009. We shared many jokes or silly moments over the years, often bringing us to tears. Her memory was unparalleled – whether she was reminding you the exact date of a unique memory each year, or remembering a prayer request that was mentioned. She had so much grit and determination, as well as patience and joy. I treasured the times we spent together, and lessons the Lord used her to teach me. I’ll forever think of Cindy when I see the color purple, eat some macaroni and cheese, or wear my clip-on sunglasses. The earthly void feels vast, but the loss here can never diminish the utterly magnificent graduation Cindy has experienced. Even better than the joys, jokes, and memories here on earth, Cindy is worshipping with her Savior for eternity. I’m very much looking forward to future strolls together in heaven.  -Christine W.

March 26, 2023

A bright light has been taken from us to add to the glory of heaven. Cindy was always a joyous part of Family Retreats, and will be remembered by all she touched. Condolences to her family and thank you for sharing Cindy’s smile with us.
Doug Tait

March 26, 2023

Cindy was a dear friend who I will miss greatly. She always had a smile to share for anyone who would stop and visit a while. She always brightened my day and was an encouragement to my heart. I am praying for Cindy’s parents and hugging them in my heart.
Kathy Barlow

March 26, 2023

Her smile will never be forgotten!  What a blessing it was to me to know Cindy!  She had such an impact on me and my family, with her joy and love of laughter, despite her circumstances!  I will never forget her, and I will forever be grateful to the Stone family for giving her such a great quality of life! I love you all! Prayers & hugs.
Jamie Nation

March 26, 2023

We will miss her smile most of all, she was a sweet person. We are happy that she is no longer in pain & is with her brother Michael watching over all of you.  We are thinking of the entire family during this difficult time. 
Bill & Fran Stow

March 26, 2023

We will miss her laugh the most. Uncle Bobby was a great tease and she loved when he’d tease her until she got to giggling so hard we had to yell at him!! She was our ray of sunshine! We could always count on her to bring up a memory no one else could ever remember., then she’d start laughing and the fun would begin.
gh