Twila Jones

Kindhearted and considerate, Twila Jones unfailingly put the needs of others before her own. She never complained about work or the demands of raising seven children; on the contrary, Twila went out of her way to brighten the lives of those around her with a quiet smile and a helping hand. Twila was a true lady, and her kind heart, quiet strength, and generosity of spirit will stand as a lasting inspiration to all those she leaves behind.

In the United States, the “Roaring Twenties” were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio, and increasing consumerism. Twila June was born in the midst of this exciting decade, on December 24, 1926 – an early Christmas present for her proud parents, Graydon and Nellie Gardner! Twila shared her birth year with the formation of Walt Disney studios, the invention of the aerosol spray, and the introduction of the 40-hour workweek by Henry Ford.

Twila was the second of four children, and grew up with siblings Jack, Jean, and Bea. Her father earned a living working for Western Union, while her mother had a job at a nearby apple farm. The years sped by, and before she knew it Twila had grown into a talented young woman. She belonged to her high school’s French Club, and also played the clarinet in the school band. Twila graduated in 1944 from Mars High School of Mars, Pennsylvania, and went on to take some training to become a telephone operator.

Not long after graduating from high school, Twila and her sister, Jean, went to seek their fortune in Iowa. While in Iowa Twila got a job as a telephone operator. Twila and Jean were walking around Newton, IA; when a gentleman named Jerald "Jerry" Jones and a group of guys drove by and started whistling at them. They stopped the car and as they say, the rest is history. Jerry Jones would be the love of her life. The happy couple was married on July 2, 1946 in Nasua, Iowa.

As the years went by, Twila and Jerry were blessed with seven children: Dave, Phil, Donna, Roger, Mark, Randy, and Dale. Since Jerry was a truck driver, the family moved around fairly frequently. About fifty years ago, the family’s travels brought them to Michigan, where they gave up trucking and began managing apartment complexes. They eventually settled down in Three Rivers, Michigan, where Twila and Jerry managed a senior apartment complex.

Twila was a wonderful homemaker, and the whole family looked forward to her delicious home-cooked meals. Family was important, and Twila made sure that everyone gathered together for Friday night dinners and Saturday breakfasts. She also canned lots of garden produce, and the smell of fresh-baked bread often filled the Jones household.

In addition to caring for her family, Twila was also active in community life. She belonged to the Grace Communion Church, and participated in the church women’s club, the Three Rivers Commission on Aging (COA), and a bowling league. In their free time, Twila and Jerry enjoyed traveling. Twila collected angels and wind chimes, and always had an eye out for a chance to add to her collection. Closer to home, Twila enjoyed playing cards, working in her beautiful flower gardens, and making puzzles.

Quiet, thoughtful, and kind, Twila was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Mrs. Twila June Jones died on December 28, 2013, at the age of 87. Twila’s family includes by her children, Dave (Ellen) Jones of Paw Paw, Phil Jones of Portage, Donna (James) Shelby of AR, Roger Jones of Portage, Mark (Patti) Jones of Portage, Randy (Robin) Jones of Comstock, and Dale (Paula) Jones of Lake Odessa; 19 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; her sisters, Jean Ripple of Florida and Bea Allen of Florida. Twila is preceded in death by her husband, Jerald “Jerry” Jones, in 2002; her brother, Jack Gardener; and her daughter-in-law, Phyllis Jones.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, at the Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (269-344-5600). The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the same location. Burial will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Three Rivers Homecare and Hospice. Please visit Twila’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, sign her guestbook, and share a memory.