Mary Stong

Mary Belle Stong, 100, Independence, Kansas passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha, Kansas. Cremation has taken place and a graveside Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Elk City, Kansas. The family will greet visitors from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. Memorials may be made to Open Arms Dining and may be left with the chapel.

Mary Belle was born August 12, 1916 in Perkins, Oklahoma to Carlton and Artie Adelia (Agee) Ballenger. The family moved to Oak Valley, Kansas shortly after Mary Belle was born. Mary Belle attended Oak Valley, Kansas Schools. Mary Belle married Ross Stong on April 24, 1938 in Elk City, Kansas. The couple lived in Longton and Elk City before moving to Cherryvale, Kansas in 1964 and lived there until 1998 when Ross passed away. Mary Belle then moved to Independence, Kansas. Mary Belle is a member of The First Christian Church. She enjoyed crocheting, bowling, playing cards and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.

Mary Belle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ross; two sons, Carlton Stong and Larry R. (Spider) Stong; two daughters, Beverley Jolene Johnson, Minnie Adelia (Pat) McDiarmid; eight brothers; and one sister. Survivors include two sons; William R. (Russ) Stong, Elk City, Kansas, Kelvin Ross (K.R.) Stong and wife, Karen, Elk City, Kansas; one daughter, Judith Gayle and husband, Tom Jewers, Independence, Kansas, Daughter-in-law Bee Stong, Houston, Texas, granddaughter they raised Connie Lynn Johnson, Coffeyville, Kansas; and many self-adopted kids and grandkids; one sister, Bernice and husband, Jessie Kitterman, Yakima, Washington; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren. Arrangements by Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory

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