Gary Adams Stone – devoted husband, proud father, energetic Pa, and unofficial mayor of Richvale – was welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior Thursday December 15 after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves his loved ones a legacy founded in faith, family, and farming.

Gary was born May 14, 1954, in Walnut Creek, CA to Harris Symmons Stone and Phyllis Ann Pollard, blessed to be raised in a family that included sisters Carolyn and Peggie and brother Rod. The spirited charm Gary was known for throughout his life displayed itself early on: Gary and his brother Rod were always trying to “lose” their shoes in an effort to avoid attending Sunday morning church services. Their attempts were made in vain, and often resulted in the boys worshiping with a dress shoe on one foot and a tennis shoe on the other. The pair also had a habit of trading their seats in the pews for a spot behind the wheel, sneaking out during services to take the family car for a spin in the quiet church parking lot.

Along with his spunk, Gary demonstrated his entrepreneurial aptitude and unparalleled work ethic at a young age as well, raising bobwhite quails from incubated eggs in his El Sobrante home, eventually dressing and selling the birds and launching the first of what would become many great business pursuits in his lifetime.

Gary graduated from DeAnza High School in 1972, took courses at Contra Costa College, and transferred to California State University, Chico to study business and marketing, receiving his degree in 1977. In the fall of 1975 Gary met a local farmer’s daughter, Susan Rystrom, when Gary’s sister separately volunteered each of them to chaperone the Biggs High School Homecoming Dance. Gary and Susan would dance through the next 47 years together, marrying July 22, 1978, at the Richvale Church. Gary was welcomed into the family at their wedding with an adapted, personalized song in his honor, ushering in a tradition that has since followed in dozens of Rystrom and Stone wedding festivities. Marrying Susan also brought Gary another beloved partnership – that with his brother-in-law Steve Rystrom. Steve enlisted Gary’s help on the family rice farm in the spring of 1976, an introduction into farming that was fostered by Gary’s father-in-law Don Rystrom and that forged Gary’s future. By 1978, Gary had harvested his first rice crop and went on to partner with Steve to build a family business in farming, spending more than four decades stewarding the Butte County land where he found himself most at home. He was grateful to see the farming legacy continue to the fifth generation. Gary felt the presence of the Lord in the outdoors and was an avid hunter and accomplished fisherman, finding peace fishing on local lakes and streams, and deer, duck, or turkey hunting wherever game was to be found.

Gary’s true pride was in his children – Phil, Andy, Ruthie, and Matt. When they were young, Gary could be found in the stands cheering at their sports games or coaching them on the sidelines – as they grew he remained a steadfast fan in their lives, championing them in their careers, faith, and marriages. Gary’s love and adoration for his nine grandchildren was unbridled: he radiated joy in the presence of each one, and never missed an opportunity to get a fishing pole in their tiny hands.

Gary was dedicated to his community and the rice industry, serving for years on the board of the Butte County Rice Growers Association; Richvale Irrigation District; Big Valley Ag Products; the California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation; the Richvale Sanitation District; the Associated Rice Marketing Cooperative; and the Rice Certification Committee of the California Rice Commission. Gary was a producing member of the Richvale Seed Growers and served in many capacities at the Richvale Community Church.

Gary’s magnetism was key to building so many beloved friendships, with his compassionate heart, listening ear, and playful banter ever-present in so many of his relationships. Gary’s indelible impact will remain abiding in his wife Susan; children Phillip (Shawntel), Andrew (Ashley), Ruthie Laubinger (Jeremy), Matthew (Morgan); grandchildren Madison, Logan, Braden, Hudson, Levi, Lincoln, Isla, Ellie, and Raegan; siblings Carolyn Friend (Ralph), Rod Stone (Debi), Peggie Nikander (Rich); in-laws Becky Sundbeck, Steve Rystrom (Vivie), Laurie Morrissey (Tom); and Gary’s 19 nieces and nephews and 20 grand-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gary’s life lived in faithful relationship with God, family, and friends will be held Friday, January 6 at 11 a.m. at the Richvale Community Church, 5219 Church Street, Richvale, CA 95974.

Memorial contributions can be made to the church at P.O. Box 219 Richvale, California 95974.