Whitehall's Jo Stone To Celebrate Her 100th Birthday March 15th

A century of life is no small achievement. Since 1924, so much has happened in our world. Women gained the right to vote; the Holocaust devasted the world, we walked on the moon, and more. Whitehall resident Jo Stone will celebrate a century of life on March 15, 2024, and her life is something to be admired.

Mrs. Stone's fondest memories seem to be of her early childhood, of working, and of her family. Born in Hollister, California, she lived in the country with her family and the highlight of her day was when someone traveled up the road and they all went out to see who was visiting.

"I walked all over the place...that's why I don't have good feet now," she said with a smile, noting that she went to a one-room schoolhouse and enjoyed her teacher and everything she learned.

"When I was in eighth grade, she taught us how to speak in front of a crowd of people. I wish women on TV would learn how to do that!" Mrs. Stone also enjoyed writing and played many sports.

After school, she took care of a disabled widow in her town, traveling with her and running errands for her in Salinas, San Jose, and other locations.

"I drove her everywhere, and I didn't even have a driver's license," she laughed. She later worked as a nanny and was a "dirt farmer" with her husband.

"I've been a busy person my whole life, but I never thought I was until I look back now."

Mrs. Stone has raised five children, has 25 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two more on the way. She dirt-farmed in Twin Bridges, worked as a meals-on-wheels driver in Sheridan, and kept moving. She now has over 50 years in Montana under her belt-"They say you have to be here for 50 before you're FROM Montana," she said.

"I've lived a clean life. I didn't smoke, I didn't drink, I didn't mess around in high school or any other time. I worked hard and I think that's part of it: you need to work. I was lucky I had a loving wonderful husband and five beautiful kids. I live under the Stars and Stripes and there are wonderful people who are trying really hard to keep our democracy.

Happy Birthday, Jo Stone! Your life has been amazing thus far, and you still have more to go!