Dr. Robert Stone was born and raised in Marion, Indiana. He was the 11th of 13 children, so his household was very busy. He graduated from Marion High and went to Ball State. He went into the Service, and came back working for RCA making color-picture tubes (Most TV’s were still black and white at that time). He then went to Indiana University Medical School and was in the 1958 graduating class.
Lura was born in Illinois and grew up in Hammond, Indiana. She attended Lake Forest College in Illinois for two years, and then finished her education at Indiana University. Her major was elementary education and taught for three and a half years in Indianapolis.
Dr. Stone and Lura got married in Hammond, Indiana in 1955. They were blessed with three girls and they now have four granddaughters and two great grandsons.
This scholarship fund has helped 37 students get through college. The scholarship is not based on need, because “that gives off the wrong message” said Dr. Stone. The Stones want the students to strive, work hard and make their education their own.
Dr. Stone stated, “We’re all put on this earth for a purpose. You should feel a little obligated to leave the world a little better when you leave it. Having the scholarship is one way for us to do that.”
The Stones appreciate the existence of the Noble County Community Foundation (NCCF). Both Dr. and Mrs. Stone are happy to not have to deal with all of the technicalities of their scholarship fund. Dr. Stone said, “We get to sponsor it (the scholarship) without running it on a day-to-day basis.” They appreciate that the NCCF handles all the finances and the student selection.
The Stones have been very involved in the Noble County Community. Lura was involved with Girl Scouts; was the president of the Indiana State Medical Alliance (a group of doctors’ spouses) was on the school board for 10 years; and teaches Sunday school and helps with various activities at the Ligonier United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the NCCF Grants Committee and she said, “It was amazing how much we could help non-profits even if it was just a couple hundred dollars.”
Dr. Stone has been a Rotary member for over 50 years; has supported West Noble Athletics for over 48 years; was the county health officer for 30 years; and is a member of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Stone is also a member of the Noble County Medical Association and was able to give out polio vaccines in the county when polio was still a problem in the United States.
The Stones appreciate Noble County because of the people’s values. Dr. Stone said, “If there is a disaster, everyone pitches in.”
