Valerie Sonia Jones

Born on January 13, 1942 in Norwich, England to Gladys Brown Cox and Henry Thomas Cox, Valerie treasured her English heritage.

Valerie’s father, an officer in the Royal Air Force, died during World War II while on duty. After this immense loss, story has it that Gladys’ parents hosted dinners at their home for men serving in the allied forces. Robert Lewis Weiler, a 1Lt, Bombardier in the United States Air Force met Gladys at one such gathering. Robert’s plane had been shot down in 1945 and the crew lived to tell the tale. Robert and Gladys were married in Norwich in 1946 and the small family of three then moved back to Robert’s hometown of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Valerie welcomed her beloved sister Charlene in their new home.

Valerie graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1959. She maintained many dear friendships as a "Farmer" throughout her life and served on the reunion committee, celebrating over 60 years together.

In her college years Valerie met Joel Robert Jones. They were married September 4, 1964 in Boulder, Colorado. Living for many years in Arvada, their family grew to include sons Scott Robert Jones and Jason Brian Jones. Joel and Valerie loved Scott and Jason’s friends and many of their own closest friendships blossomed from the boys’ sports.

Valerie worked for many years at State Farm. Her huge retirement party had few dry eyes and her affection for her colleagues lasted throughout her lifetime.

Valerie loved Christmas. Gathering of family, especially her sister Char Dempster, brother-in-law Jack, and nephew Tyler brought her immense joy. She could be found painting village houses and creating Christmas baskets at the kitchen table in the summer and constructing intricate decorations in the winter, preparing for her favorite holiday.

Just as Robert and Gladys became Papa and Nanny, Valerie became Nana, the matriarch of a beautiful and growing family. Daughters-in-law Stacey and Rachel, and grandchildren Brayden, Emma and Brady all became Joneses. Valerie’s supportive presence for school, sports and music events, family dinners and holidays set the rhythm of her life as a grandmother.

Valerie made friends wherever she went. She moved twice after losing Joel suddenly in 2002 and her neighbors and friends in these new communities were as esteemed as those of her youth. In her Highland Hills community she served on the welcoming committee, helping others feel connected.

Valerie was more adventurous than she would admit. As a grandmother she went snow tubing. When Tyler, his wife Nancy and their daughter Maddie visited with Jack and Char last summer, Valerie had a train full of passengers cheering for her when she got on. She enjoyed outings, planting flowers and quiet walks with her venerable companion Tom.

Many of Valerie’s loved ones left this earthly life before she did on May 27, 2026. She is survived by those that miss her immensely - Scott, Rachel and Brayden, Jason, Stacey, Emmy and Brady, Char, Jack, Tyler, Nancy and Maddie, extended family, devoted friends and colleagues.

Above all else, Valerie was kind. Those that love Valerie honor her by keeping kindness in circulation, even amidst the difficult conditions that arise.

A celebration of Valerie's life will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 2-4 pm at Highland Hills Senior Living community at the 5th floor Sky Lounge.

Valerie shared her life with dogs and loved them deeply. In lieu of flowers, Valerie’s family kindly suggests donations to Humane Society Boulder Valley in her name.