Mary K. passed away Sunday evening, December 4, 2022 peacefully in her home surrounded by family. Mary K. was born February 12,1938 in Nampa, Idaho, the youngest of two daughters to Albert Nicholas Muhlestein and Nola Cluff Muhlestein. Mary K. married William “Bill” Draper Jones in the SLC Temple on June 15, 1960.
Mary K. grew up in Boise, ID, where she graduated from Boise High School. She went on to graduate from BYU, where she met her husband Bill. After a short career teaching Home Economics at Bryant Jr and Highland High schools, she retired to her second career as full-time mom to her rapidly growing family, eventually raising seven children. Her job titles included, but not limited to: gardner, housekeeper, cook, chauffeur, teacher, and nurse. Additionally, during this time she worked tirelessly with Bill in painting and managing their rental properties.
Mary K. was selfless, always putting others first, which was evident in service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lived and served in the same ward for over 50 years, holding numerous positions including Primary teacher, Relief Society presidency, and Visiting Teacher. She frequented the temple as often as she could. Her exceptional faith was the guiding principle throughout her life.
Going through multiple battles with breast cancer and other health issues, she always put on a brave face and told her family and friends “Don’t worry about me.” She was stoic, humble and extremely concerned for others, never wanting her issues to become a burden.
Though spending time with her family was her favorite pastime, over the years she also enjoyed working in her yard, especially with her roses, decorating her house for holidays, attending plays, walking with her friends, and in her later years watching Hallmark movies.
Mary K. and her older sister, Ilene had such a close bond. Their relationship helped instill the strong value of family that Mary K. believed and practiced. It was an amazing example of how strong sibling bonds could be, and influenced Mary K.’s children and their strong bond with each other. Mary K.’s children loved hearing their Aunt Ilene call their mom “Baby Sister” even into their 80’s.
Mary K. also loved to travel. She and Bill traveled all over the world, often with her sister Ilene and Ilene’s husband Bill. Their trips included European adventures, as well as long motorcycle road trips, filling many photo albums with cherished memories.
Mary K. is survived by her sister Ilene Lystrup; children Kathryn (Dave) Persch, Elizabeth (Lorraine) Jones, Jennifer Hicks, Kristen (Jason & 1st husband Travis) Powell, David Jones, Steven (Jen) Jones, Carolyn (Gary) Potter, as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, and son-in-law (Dale Hicks).
Mary K's family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to Right at Home and her aides, especially her current aides: Karen, Elisa, and Janet, for all the wonderful care and friendship provided.
Services will be held Friday, December 9 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1587 South Foothill Drive SLC, UT 84108, with funeral services at 12 pm and burial services immediately afterwards at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive SLC, UT 84106. Viewings will be held Thursday, December 8 from 6-8 pm at the church and day of service from 10:30-11:45 am.
A live stream of the service will also be available: https://zoom.us/j/98368525637
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.
