Joan Jones, 81

Joan F. Jones, 81, of Mountain Home, died Friday, May 30, 2003.

Memorial services were held on June 3 at St. James Episcopal Church in Mountain Home, with inurnment scheduled in Sandpoint on June 7. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Joan Frances Jones was born to Edgar and Amelia Elder on Sept. 22, 1921, in St. Maries, Idaho. She was raised in St. Maries until 1937 when her family moved to Sandpoint, where she met the love of her life, Jack Jones. In 1939 Joan graduated from Sandpoint High School. She went on to marry Jack in February 1941. They had two boys, Steve and Jack, and Joan made it her life to care for her husband and children, her family noted.

During their married life Joan and Jack lived in Washington, California and Idaho. In 1971 they settled in Mountain Home.

Over the years, Joan was a member of PEO and St. James Episcopal Altar Guild. She had a love of music, which was celebrated by her participating in the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps, singing in the church choir, and entertaining her grandchildren with her musical talent when she would play the organ and sing to them.

In addition to music she loved gardening. Every summer's day found her patiently tending and nurturing her vegetable garden and rose bushes.

"Joan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother," her family said. "She was selfless and compassionate in everything she did. Her life reflected her faith in God as his ever-faithful servant. She holds a corner in each and every family member's heart. Because of her tender spirit gentleness will reign in the heart and minds of those who were blessed enough to know her."

Joan is survived by: her husband, Jack; their children, Steve and Dee Dee, Jack and Sherry, six grandchildren, and Joan's best friend and sister-in-law, Mary Verdal, as well as 14 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The family request no flowers, but suggests memorials be made to St. James Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 315 N. 3rd East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647.