FUNERAL IS ON TUESDAY FOR LEONA JONES

Funeral services are Tuesday, May 19, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church for Mrs. Leona Jensen Jones, who died May 15, 1981, at Crowell Memorial Home. Burial will be in Prairieview Cemetery.

Leona Jensen Jones was born in Blair, Nebraska, on January 2, 1895, and with the exception of 4 years residence in Reserve, Kansas, lived her entire life, 86 years, in Washington County. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Jensen and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Soren Jensen, a pioneer family who settled near Blair in 1867.

Leona attended Washington County schools and Midland College in Fremont. On October 20, 1920, she married Paul G. Jones, a union that lasted 60 years until his death in October of 1980. In addition to being a wife and mother, Leona was an active community leader throughout her life. Her particular interest was the County Extension Club which she served as President and in many other offices at various levels. She was an active and dedicated leader of 4-H Clubs for many years. She was intensely interested in education and devoted many hours serving the public schools and assisting teachers in a variety of ways.

Leona was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, and an active leader of the Women’s Society of the church. She was a pianist who, as a young woman, was a performer and accompanist, frequently filling in with local bands. In recent years, even though she was in her 80’s, she compiled and wrote a book on the history of the Soren Jensen family and descendants; executed a needlepoint square depicting the history of Washington County that was selected for inclusion in the 1976 Centennial tapestry displayed in the Nebraska State Capitol; and was selected as one of seven state finalists for Mother-of-the-Year in 1978.

Mrs. Jones is survived by three children: R. Keith Jones, Dr. Mary Jean Jones and Mrs. Basil C. Wehrman; seven grandchildren, Mrs. Andrew Kinney and Keith M. Jones, Lise, James and Larry Nelson, Basil Wehrman and Mrs. Lynn Dierking; two brothers, Elmer and Lillard Jensen; and one sister, Mrs. Edna Kruse.

The family suggests memorials to Crowell Memorial Home.