Oct. 9, 1937 ~ Feb. 4, 2025
Charles Ralph Stoner, born Oct. 9, 1937, in Paonia, Colorado, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Feb. 4, 2025, in Rifle, Colorado.
Charles lived and worked on ranches in Crawford, Colorado, during his early life. His love for riding horses, working with cattle, and being outdoors dominated his life. He lived as an authentic American cowboy and passionate outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and trapping. He joined the Navy and served honorably during the Vietnam War.
He then married Kathleen Collins, who was also from Crawford and in the same high school graduating class. After graduating with an agricultural teaching degree from CSU, he taught Ag Science for a few years, and then they returned to Crawford to the home and mountains they loved. They had two daughters, Heather and Holly. He worked as a logger and a rancher for the rest of his career.
He lived his life fearlessly and on his terms. If there were something he wanted to do, he would find a way to accomplish it. He never met a stranger and said hello or waved to everyone he encountered. Kathleen and Charles loved Alaska and the wild lifestyle and spent as much time as they could there after they retired. He was a devoted church member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his family and his community and really enjoyed living in Meeker the last five years.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Stoner, father Charles E. Stoner, mother Vivian Stoner, and brother George Stoner. He is survived by his daughters Heather Oman and family, Holly Knowles and family, and his sister Susan Smith and family.
A private family service will be held in July as per his request.
