Wayne Friend Stone, 44, of Helena died unexpectedly at home on Sunday morning, March 15, 2009.

Wayne was born to Bruce and Joanne Stone on Dec. 18, 1964, in Elko, Nev. His early years were spent in Battle Mountain and Reno, Nev., and the family moved to St. Louis, Miss., when he was 2 years old. He returned to Nevada with his family in 1970, and then to Churchill, Mont., with his mother and sister in 1974. He attended Manhattan High School in Montana and graduated from Proctor Hug High School in Reno, Nev. He also attended the University of Nevada in Reno. He returned to Montana in 1989, and spent the last six years in Helena.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Walter and Jeanette Baumann; paternal grandparents, Clarence and Leola Stone; and an infant brother. He is survived by his mother, Joanne Stone of Helena; father and stepmother, Bruce and Ruth Stone of Loyalton, Calif.; sister, Cara Self and her husband, Don, of Gresham, Ore.; brother, Aaron Stone of Reno, Nev.; niece and nephew, Mikaela and Ethan Self of Gresham, Ore.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Wayne was a gentle giant who will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends. His quick wit brought smiles to all who met him. He loved his Lord and spent many happy hours with his church family. His family looks forward to a happy reunion one day.

Wayne's life will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. at the Helena Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 4950 Arrowhead Road.