Marjory F. Tone, with Saki & Fadjur.

Jack & Marge Tone, enjoying their 60th anniversary.

Marjory Francis Woodworth Tone

February 19, 1915 – November 11, 2010

Marjory Francis Woodworth was born February 19, 1915, in Dos Palos, California.  Beginning at age 5, Marge helped cook for her family of 17 and helped care for her younger brothers and sisters.  Marge’s Pa, Loren Woodworth, sold his ranch to Miller & Lux then was foreman.  Later, the family moved frequently, following agricultural work.  The Woodworths were always known as great horsemen.  Even as a young child, Pa told Marge stories about the mystically beautiful Arabian horse...they both hoped she would someday be so lucky as to see such incredible animals.  Marge’s grandparents were one of the first couples married in early California, at Sutter’s Fort.  Her grandfather, Alonzo Woodworth, guided pioneer emigrants across the prairie to California.   Handicapped by a hook arm (he lost his hand in an accident during Independence Day celebrations at the fort), he continued to drive stage for Wells Fargo.  

Iconic Faith, Married for 75 years.  Marge met the love of her life, John Harold (Jack, Bud) Tone, at a baseball game near Stockton.  Marge was the umpire when her brothers’ all-Woodworth team played Bud’s.  Bud couldn’t resist Marge and fell for her instantly.  He didn’t even mind the umpire’s questionable calls, because she was so beautiful and he loved her irresistible spirit.  Marge was amazed by the handsome young man, and loved Bud’s great patience with her slanted calls. 

Through good times and bad, health and sickness, joy and sorrow, they were inseparable and madly-in-love for more than 75 years.  They were crazy after each other!  Marge admired Mrs. Grace Tone and was inspired by her faith and love.  She converted to Catholicism, was confirmed in her faith and married Bud September 5, 1932, at St. Michael’s Church in Stockton, California.  Grace was so happy to welcome Marge into the family, she gave Bud her own engagement ring, for Marge.  Marge’s strength of character and commitment came through her deep faith; enhanced immeasurably by Bud’s great love and everlasting support.  They lived happily in their bunkhouse (which grew with their family), among the beauty of Jack Tone Ranch for the rest of their inspirational lives.  Marge is survived by their 5 daughters and 3 more generations including 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. 

Inspirational.  Matriarch & Heart of her Family.  Marge was a born leader -- amazing, being born in the middle of such a large, loving family as the Woodworth’s.  Her strength of character, determination and gracious, giving nature inspired all.  She earned love & respect through her pure heart, integrity and the inspirational example of her life, showing how God wants us all to live.  Marge is revered and respected by everyone from the smallest beloved babes; horses, dogs & birds; to powerful world leaders and famous influential persons.  Being around Granny (Marge) at a horse show or event was like hanging out with a movie star!  People just could not resist her quiet charm and charisma, because they emanated from a pure heart full of love and absolute integrity.  Her namesake and favorite, Saint Francis is the patron saint of animals.  It is no wonder the innocent and helpless were so drawn to her pure spirit; they knew without words that she would love and protect them with all her might.  (and was she ever MIGHTY!)  Remember the times at the cabin, when someone yelled, “Snake!” how quickly & expertly our Gran took charge, chopped off the rattler’s head with her shovel; while carefully guarding all of us children & dogs from danger.  Marge was also an inspiration to the powerful.  She earned their respect with her intelligence, absolute commitment to “right” and integrity.  Family came first, last and always with Marge.  She set an example for four generations of her descendants, to help them find the right path.  She encouraged each of us individually to be our best, through her unwavering example and powerful moral support.  

Granny was an inspiration to those around her.  Unconsciously graceful and the most gracious of women.  She loved so generously.  She loved her birds, nature, her horses . . . most of all, she loved her family.  Each and every one of us (and there are many) felt the individual love and attention she showered so generously.  Helping Granny feed her horses (each had its own special recipe) was an adventure loved by little children.  Everyone wanted to spend the night with Granny in the barn awaiting the next foal.  Each little child wanted to ride in “Granny’s car” on the way to the mountains.  Granny would sing all the way there and all the way back.  Teaching us about nature, trees, birds, animals, flowers, even poison oak and snakes!!  She loved to celebrate in each person’s accomplishments, and silently encouraged each to do his/her best – not to impress anyone else, but just because we could!  She was always there if things didn’t work out as well.  Comforting and saying, “Everything happens for the best.”  Darned if she wasn’t always right!

Valley Rancher.  Marge & Bud’s Jack Tone Ranch is located on Jack Tone’s road – originally built by Bud’s pioneer grandfather, John H. Tone, as the road to his home.  Jack Tone Road is known as the “longest straight road” in San Joaquin County.  Jack Tone Ranch has been recognized by the California Farm Bureau and California Agricultural Heritage Club for over 150 years of continuous family operation, as the oldest horse ranch in California (since 1849).  Through the difficult times of the Great Depression, the Tones nearly lost everything.  At that critical juncture, Bud developed a detailed 10 year plan to re-build the ranch.  Throughout the early years of their amazing marriage, Marge’s absolute commitment, hard work and true partnership helped Bud save the ranch.  Over many years, including during the midst of those hard times, Marge cooked hearty meals for all of the ranch-hands as well as many passers-by surviving the hard times.  Together, they succeeded in transforming Jack Tone Ranch from a struggling family farm into a modern 20^th century ranch where they shared everything with their family. 

Tragedy and New Beginnings.  Losing a son – a tragedy no parent should ever face – was devastating for Marge & Bud.  They managed through the heart-break with their amazing love and commitment, and abiding faith – but neither ever forgot their loss.  John N. Tone (Bud’s father) gave Marge some young chicks to help her, with a focus away from her pain of loss.  The chickens became a reawakening for Marge, as she developed many new skills in agribusiness and animal husbandry (voraciously, independently studied).  Marge’s formal education ended early, but she spent the rest of her life studying and mastering knowledge of veterinary science, animal husbandry, horsemanship, nutrition, training, breeding, etc, etc.  She didn’t study horsemanship, as much as she just knew & felt what was right.  She insisted all animals should be treated with kindness and respect, and nothing less than the best of care.  Those little chicks started Marge along her journey toward recognition as a World-Class Horsewoman. 

Stull (Mr. V.F. Stull), a local horse trainer, leased the Jack Tone Stables from the Tones.  Marge and the girls spent many happy hours riding and training alongside Stull, and really learning practical horsemanship.  Stull introduced Marge to Arabian horses when she helped to train Sheik, a beautiful palomino half Arabian.  Sheik brought her childhood dreams to life.  He was a marvelous horse, different from any Marge had known:  very responsive and intelligent.  Stull helped begin Marge’s meteoric rise as an Arabian horse breeder, when he traded the 2 year old filly, Fer-Natta, for a month’s rent.  Marge bought the yearling Hi-Natta soon thereafter using her “egg money” to reunite the lonesome full sisters.  Marge purchased Saki for daughter, Kathleen in 1954, to round out her dynastic foundation in Arabian horse breeding history.  Hi-Natta (Marge’s favorite riding horse) died young, after only 3 foals.  Saki, Fer-Natta and Fer-Natta’s daughter, Ferneyna (the first foal Marge bred) shattered records for outstanding production for Arabian broodmares.  Each of these mares became recognized as legends.  They would never have reached their potential from obscurity without Marge’s discovery & everlasting support. 

World Famous “Fabulous Fadjur” Arabian Champion Stallion.  Bud bought the legendary Fabulous Fadjur for Marge’s birthday in 1953 after much pleading and apple pie offerings from Marge.   Fadjur was a promising but unrecognized weanling colt, but he fulfilled every ideal in Marge’s vision of an Arabian stallion.  The three of them will go down in history as a team.  Bud’s undying devotion, love and commitment to Marge allowed them to succeed in greatness as breeders of fine Arabian horses.  Marge’s great horses, Fadjur and Saki, were named Living Legends.  They were recognized as the Leading Living Sire and Dam of Champions in the Arabian breed.  Fadjur was twice voted the “World’s Most Popular.”  Both amazing horses were inducted into the Arabian Horse Hall of Fame for their contributions to the breed – none of which would have been possible without the determination and dedication of this great horsewoman, Marjory F. Tone. 

First Woman.   Marjory F. Tone was elected to leadership positions and guided organizations of people dedicated to the purebred Arabian horse breed.  In 1958, Marge was elected President of the Arabian Horse Association of Northern California (AHANC).  Marge managed to fill the Cow Palace with spectators and fans during the club’s Arabian horse show, to promote Arabian horses to the public.  She was the first woman to serve in such a high elected office.  At that time, AHANC was the largest and one of the oldest Arabian horse associations in America.  Marge helped to develop the club, and provided leadership and support to it for many years.  Marge started the national trend for more active owner involvement with Arabian horses when she founded the Arabian Riders and Breeders (ARAB) club, established to encourage more participation from her local community.  She established the first Amateur-Owner halter division in Arabian horse shows.  In 1964 when the regional structure was organized, Marge was elected as the first Director of Region Three of the International Arabian Horse Association (IAHA).  Marge was the first woman Director in IAHA history!  As Director, she represented Arabian horse owners throughout the territory encompassing all of northern California and Nevada. 

Woman of Deep Faith and Commitment.   Marge was called, and saw the light of God’s pure love twice before in her life.  She returned each time to her earthly body to carry on her blessed life with her family.  Finally, last week she asked, “Who is that little child, is that Patrick?” in the doorway of her room.  (before, she had recognized John Patrick from the back and knew if he turned around, she would have to go).  We don’t know whether it was Jesus Himself, or if John Patrick called Gran to the light of everlasting life; but we know she went directly.  We hope to meet her again someday and will miss her perfection of character and pure love until then.  Gran was a woman of humble prayer and thanksgiving to God, always appreciative of His blessings.  She lived her daily life as an example.  She was powerful and rock-solid in her faith, and her commitment to live in accordance with His way.  Her capacity for forgiveness was absolute.  She trusted completely in our Lord and Savior, that He would show us the way.  Safe Journey, Sweet Margie; until we meet again.

Directions to

"Since 1849"

9749 North Jack Tone Road
Stockton, California 95215
http://www.Fadjur.com
http://www.JackToneRanch.com
http://www.Fadjur.net
http://www.Fadjur.org

209-931-4972 or 209-931-3847

Marjory F. Hammer Pope, Web-Mistress
Kathleen Tone Hammer, Manager
Marjory F. Tone, Owner


Fadjur descendants available
for Sale, for Lease and at Stud

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Please join us in praying for the soul of our dearly departed Jack Tone. We miss him so much. He was Such a Good and a Great man. Here's a brief memorial for Uncle Bud, listing a few of his contributions and accomplishments.

Please join us in praying for the soul of our dearly departed Georgia Ann Barrett. This world has never known a better friend or truer Christian. We loved her and we miss her.

Please join us in praying for the thousands of innocents murdered in the U.S. and all around this wide world; for their friends and families who must live with their terrible loss; for all of the American people who have been attacked as a nation on that dark day, September 11, 2001. Please also join us in praying for wisdom, clarity, and guidance from above for our American leaders, and blessings upon our great soldiers & Commander in Chief. Please pray for the attackers' conspirators, that God's love will find it's way into their black, evil hearts and for the American people, that we will promote and elect leadership that is honest & who will keep America strong.