"Your mom and I had many laugh filled conversations in the UCC foyer. Many times her smiling face greeted me as I entered the funeral home. She will be missed. "
In loving memory of
Helen L. Jones
July 13, 1928 - May 25, 2021
Helen L. Jones, age 92, formerly of Upland, died early Tuesday morning, May 25, 2021 in Heritage Pointe in Warren, where she had been a resident since June 2018.
Born on the family farm in Monroe Township of Grant County on Friday, July 13, 1928 to D. Estel and Margaret (Green) Spencer, she was the youngest of three and the only daughter. She enjoyed her growing up years and felt that life on the farm was the best. She loved recalling the stories of farm life and especially telling her brothers how much harder she worked than they did. She was a proud member of the Jefferson Township class of 1946. After graduating she was involved in many activities including being a Rural Youth leader, dancing with a square-dancing team that traveled to Chicago to appear on a popular country and western show, and she was a left-handed pitcher for an Upland softball team.
While working at Showalter's Grocery in Upland, she met Upland's new funeral director, Robert Jones. They married on August 26, 1951 at the Upland Methodist Church. As she adjusted to the life of a funeral director's wife and living in town, she learned to enjoy her new role and embraced it with great success. She loved talking to people and being present to assist in time of grief.
In 1955, she gave birth to a son, Rick, and in 1961 gave birth to a daughter, Sharon (Shari). In addition to working in the funeral home, she raised her family in the upstairs apartment. She was maid, cook, janitor, bookkeeper, receptionist and mother. In 1971, she went to work at Taylor University, first in the print shop, then in the Advancement Office where she was Director of Donor Services. She retired in 1999. After her retirement she continued working at the funeral home until shortly before her 90th birthday.
She was a member of the Upland United Methodist Church, but attended Upland Community Church in her later years, the Upland Order of the Eastern Star, No. 411, Upland Historical Society, Our Town Upland, and the former Epsilon Deca Club and the Phygo Club.
She reluctantly moved to Heritage Pointe when it became clear that she could not safely live alone, but she was not there long before she fell in love with the staff and her fellow residents. She enjoyed the activities and the dining. Her family is grateful for the wonderful care she received.
Surviving are her children, Rick, Upland and Shari (David) Dickerson, Muncie; two grandchildren: Kevin Nichols, St Petersburg, FL; Kaitlyn Nichols, Noblesville; two step granddaughters, Sara (Taylor) Mock, Pendleton; Samantha Dickerson, Jacksonville, Florida; and one step great grandson, Beckham Mock. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Marjean Jones, Marion, and 16 nieces and nephews, along with many great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1994, and her father in 1961 and her mother in 1981. She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Warren and Mary Ellen Spencer, and Dale and Marilyn Spencer. Also, her brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law, Howard and Charline Jones and James M. Jones.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 259 N. Main St., Upland, where a visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Friday, May 28, 2021. The funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the Upland Community Church, 439 W. Berry Ave., Upland, with Pastor Mark Biehl officiating. Burial will follow in Jefferson Cemetery, Upland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Upland Community Church, 439 W Berry St, Upland, Indiana 46989 or Taylor University, 236 W Reade Ave, Upland, IN 46989.
Tributes
"Rick and Shari, your mother was dearly loved by so many. When a loved one passed, it was so comforting to see your mother waiting for us as we sadly entered the funeral home. She was a dear one! Kathryn (Drischel) May"
"Helen and I became good friends. We met every Monday Evening for supper at Cracker Barrel prior to Helen moving to Heritage Pointe. I enjoyed our evenings together as we talked about her farm life and church friends. She was a wonderful lady and I have greatly missed being with her on Monday evenings. Marge Kibbey"
"Prayers & condolences from The Jack Himelick Family"
""Miss Helen" as my children and grandchildren affectionately called you. You have been and will continue to be missed!
I could not have been blessed with a more caring and supportive business partner! Bob and you quickly became more than colleagues and were always available to serve others, putting your Christian faith into action! "A good and faithful servant""
"So very sorry to read of Helen's passing she was a wonderful lady. She was of great comfort to many in Upland during their own time of grief. My sympathy to her family. ? Barbara Miller Holm "
"Helen and Bob were good friends to my parents while dad was pastor of UUMC in the ?70?s. Praying for you all. "