Rhonda Claudette (Hutchison) Stone

Rhonda Claudette Hutchison Stone, 70, loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister; lately of Matthews, NC formerly of Proctorville/Rome, OH moved peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord during the morning of September 13, 2023. She was born January 4, 1953, in Huntington, WV the daughter of Claude Leland Hutchison and Glenda Mae Ward Hutchison of Proctorville, OH. She was a 1970 graduate of Fairland High School, and later of Huntington Business College. She was employed for 41 years by various banks, most recently Bank of America from which she retired in September of 2012. Rhonda loved the Lord and was a member of Graceway Baptist Church in Weddington, NC; and was active with the Republican Women of Greater Charlotte. Rhonda also served as a past member of the Board for the Charlotte Philharmonic guild.

Rhonda was a beautiful friend to all who knew her. She was most content when helping others and loved playing the perfect hostess for any event. Rhonda had a passion for walking and spending time outdoors which fit perfectly with her love of travel. She loved the South Carolina Low Country and walking the streets of historic cities, of which Charleston SC was a favorite. Rhonda’s love of travel and exploration was born from having lived in such locations as Huntington, WV; Proctorville, OH; Roanoke and Richmond, VA; Newbury Park, CA; and Matthews, NC. Rhonda was a wonderful cook and avid photographer. She was at her happiest when going through her photos and putting together scrapbooks for family members. Her two beloved grandsons were often the inspiration for this favorite pastime. 

Rhonda and her husband Fred have been devoted to each other since first meeting in 1972 when Rhonda was working as a teller at the First Huntington National Bank. He asked her out on their first date right at her teller station and they have been together ever since. 

What Rhonda found most fulfilling about her banking career was the opportunity it provided for her to connect with, and help, people. She was much more than a Personal Banker to her customers, she shared their financial plans, family stories and was often a shoulder to lean on during challenging times. Customers were known to sit in the lobby waiting to see her, often for long periods of time.  When other bankers would offer their services to shorten the wait they were often met with the reply “No, thank you….I’ll just wait for Rhonda”.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Chester and Delophine Ward of Proctorville, and paternal grandparents Thomas and Ima Zella Hutchison of Huntington. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her loving husband, Frederick B. Stone; her beloved daughter, Allison Stone Locke and her husband Jason of Oak Ridge, NC and their two sons (Rhonda’s pride and joy) Maddox and Griffin; also, her brother, Phillip Hutchison and his wife Cheri, and their two daughters Erica Hutchison Foster and Victoria Hutchison. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rhonda had an infectious personality which brightened the day of anyone she came across. She was pure love, light and goodness. Rhonda was a joy to all who know her and will be missed by all, especially her family who loved her dearly.

Private family Visitation will be Friday September 22, from 11:30am to 12 noon, and public Visitation will follow from noon to 2:00 p.m. at Beard Mortuary, 3001 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25702. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Kermit Taylor and John Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, WV. Online memories may be shared with the family at www.beard mortuary.com. Those who wish may send flowers or make memorial contributions to the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1400 Hal Greer Blvd, Huntington, WV 25701.