Obituary for Frances Jones

Ponca City Now - September 30, 2017 10:55 am

Frances Lela Jones

October 29, 1927 – September 29, 2017

Frances Lela Short Jones passed away to be with the lord on Friday, September 29, 2017. She peacefully slipped from this world surrounded by her family at her home in Tonkawa. She was 89 years old.

She was born in Guthrie on October 29, 1927 to Farris Glen Short and Bessie Lela Pruett Short. Francis married the love of her life, Merle E, “Gene” Jones on December 2, 1944 in Ponca City. The couple made their home here in Ponca.

Together they raised a large happy family. Francis worked as a custodian at the City Police Department. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Police Auxiliary. Frances enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, playing bingo, dancing, cooking, as well as sitting on the front porch watching people.

She is survived by three daughters, Darlene (Larry) Young of Marland, Dorene Baker of Tonkawa, Doretta (Gary) Simmons of Ponca City; three sons, Rocky (Debbie) Jones, Fayetteville, AR, Stony (Linda) Jones of Ponca, and Dusty (Marian) Jones of Tonkawa; 21 grandchildren; 10 step grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Darla Gillespie, four brothers, one sister, and four grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at the Carolyn Renfro Event Center 455 Fairview in Ponca on Wednesday 10/4/2017at 2p.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Mrs. Jones will be in state at Grace Memorial Chapel from 8a.m. to 8pm on Monday and Tuesday and from 8 am to noon on Wednesday. Family will be present at the viewing to receive guests from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Tom Howard will officiate. Pallbearers will include Travis Young, Jesse Baker, Ronald Jones, Rocky Jones, Jr., Matt Jones, Robert Jones, Mike Wilcher, Sam Simmons, and Dustin Jones. Honorary pallbearers include Tanner Young, Teonna Wardlow, Richard Wilcher, Tesa Wardlow, and Tina Welch. Frances was loved deeply and will be missed forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Memorial Chapel in her name.

Condolences may be written at www.gracememorialchapel.net