Jackie Stone, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and dedicated nurse, passed away peacefully, at home on October 14, 2024, at the age of 72. Born on July 27, 1952, she was the cherished daughter of Laverne Burkhalter and Marilyn (West) Burkhalter. Jackie was raised with love and welcomed Bill Bruniga as a stepfather, and later welcomed Floyd Downing as an additional father figure, all of whom preceded her in death.
In 1975, Jackie married the love of her life, Stephen Stone, and together they built a life full of love and joy. She is survived by her daughter, Christina Stone (Don Zimmerman), and grandchildren, Devan (Kaylee) Zimmerman of Knoxville and Alleah Rickard-Stone of Knoxville. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Catherine “Katie” Stone, who passed away in 2021, and her grandson, Dakota Zimmerman.
Jackie is also survived by her sisters, Judy (Dan) Doubet of Gilson, IL, and Janet (Gary) Carstensen of DeWitt, Iowa, as well as her in-laws, Gordon Stone, BJ (Kim) Stone, and Susan Stone. She was a devoted aunt and had a deep bond with many other family members, including her late nephew, Kurtis Doubet. Jackie loved being a great godmother to Cole.
A registered nurse by profession, Jackie found her true passion in caring for others. She dedicated much of her career to Galesburg Cottage Hospital, where she worked in various units and positions. She was especially proud of her certifications as a Trauma Nurse Specialist (TNS) and Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR). Jackie enjoyed sharing her expertise by teaching Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and found great fulfillment in her relationships with her co-workers.
Jackie’s love for her family was unmatched. She cherished the time spent with them, particularly on family vacations to Minnesota, where she enjoyed walleye fishing. Her kind and compassionate spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville. Rosary will be prayed prior to visitation at 1:30 p.m. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial will follow services at the Knoxville Cemetery. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory are assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Katie Stone Memorial Scholarship through Carl Sandburg College or the Galesburg Rescue Mission. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
