Maxine Jones

She left with our whispered assurances that she was loved and that Jesus was waiting to hold her in His loving arms.

Her life started when a handsome young man, Ivy K Jones, spied her one day talking in a group of high school girlfriends. She was laughing and was in the center of the girls. She had long dark hair and was wearing a white dress with a turquoise scarf around her waist. He courted her until she agreed to be his bride. They married 4 June 1949. Even when her health needs forced her to move into a long term care facility; they could be seen sitting holding hands and sitting with each other. She was his "Pretty Girl". They were sweethearts until the end. Married for 63 years: Ivy tried to stay with her; wanting to "walk her home"; but his health gave out. He passed away in January 2012 and she was lost without him.

She was vivacious and alive. She loved Ivy and followed him faithfully; moving from city to city, always making each new home unique. She was very determined to live life fully. She never complained; even in her physical and emotional suffering. She loved unconditionally and had a great capacity for Love. Mom was very creative and artistic. She was very generous with her time and her talents. She was full of adventure. Maxine was a spirited and zealous shopper when it came to her children and grandchildren; even if she had to battle some poor unsuspecting shopper by gently; but decisively "sharpening her elbows" to get want she wanted for us. She made sure we knew our Lord God's deep and abiding Love for us. She taught us right from wrong. She raised 6 kids while working as a bank teller. She worked hard. One time she was at the beauty shop and we called her because we were all squabbling as children do. The next thing we knew, the back door flew open and there she was with curlers in her hair with the cape still on from the hairdresser. A formidable sight to behold. She didn't hesitate to use discipline to help teach us when needed. She was a beautiful woman; but had an even greater beauty in her loving personality and constant encouragement to her family. People noticed her because of her spirit. She taught by her example. Mom had the softest hands ever to hold.

She is survived by her children: Janis Jones, Nanci Rolbiecki and her husband David, Randy Jones and his wife Kathy, Sande Thomson and her husband Kevin, Cindy Timewell, and Scott Jones and his wife Susan. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Amanda (Jon), Ashley (David), Seth, Angela (Joshua), Kari (Tom), Landon, Whitney (Donny), Elijiah, Rachel (Kev), and Damien. And survived as well by her crowning legacy of five great-grandchildren: Jered, Jonathan, Anaiah, Teal, Eva, and with number six 'Baby' Griffin due to be born in January. Maxine is also survived by a sister, Patricia Benge.

In the end; the one constant was her constant affirmation of her love for her family. She would repeat her Love for us...over and over. We are richer for having her as our Mom and Grandmother.

We miss her terribly.