Edna Mae Jones, 82, passed away on August 14, 2026, in Urbandale, Iowa. A visitation for friends and family will be held at 10:00am on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny, Iowa. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at the same location at 11:00am on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Edna was born May 23,1944 in Iowa City, Iowa. She was raised by William and Minnie Kelderman on a farm outside of Pella, Iowa, alongside her five siblings. She graduated from Pella Community High School and went on to dedicate many years of her life to serving others through her work with the State of Iowa. She worked as an accounting technician for the foster care unit until her retirement in December 2009.
Her faith was a central part of her life. Edna was an active and enthusiastic member of First Assembly of God in Des Moines for many years, where she loved the Lord and faithfully served her church. Edna enjoyed Sunday lunches with her friends from church. She later attended Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines and enjoyed watching the livestreamed Sunday services with her daughter, Penni. Her faith was not simply something she practiced—it was something she lived, and she lovingly instilled that faith in her children.
Edna found joy in the simple things and treasured time spent with the people she loved. She enjoyed crafting and could turn almost anything into a project, especially when she was creating alongside family and friends. She loved family gatherings and always looked forward to the next one.
She also loved music. As a young woman, she enjoyed singing with her family. She later found great enjoyment in music therapy. Edna loved elephants and spent many years collecting them. In her later years, she enjoyed watching Magnum P.I. and Blue Bloods, but nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by family.
Edna, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, will be remembered as one of the sweetest and kindest souls to ever walk the earth. She truly did not have a mean bone in her body. Her generous heart, gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and love for others touched countless lives. Edna's greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely.
Edna is survived by her daughters, Penni (Steve) Campagna of Ankeny, Iowa, and Angi Jones of Urbandale, Iowa; her son, Ed Jones (Heather Dougherty) of Ankeny, Iowa; grandchildren, Alex (Danae) Contino, Cassie (Jason Marzen) Contino, Sydney (Luke) Adams, Madi Jones, Tony Campagna, Mike (Emma) Jones, Sadie (Zach Diaz) Simpson, Dylan Dougherty, and Logan Dougherty; 12 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Bruce Draper; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Minnie Kelderman; her birth mother, Anna Bosveld; and her siblings, Joann (Roger) Pfadenhauer, Wayne (Maxine) Kelderman, Melvin (Barb) Kelderman, LeRoy (Lois) Kelderman, and Irene Draper.
