Helen Woodward Jones' Obituary
Helen Woodward Jones, 83, died June 4, 2005 at Puget Sound Healthcare Center in Olympia after a long struggle with complications stemming from AlzheimerÂ's. She was born Helen Jean Woodward on July 29, 1921 in Dayton, WA. Helen was the only child of Orley and Vera (Kendall) Woodward. Her entire youth was spent in Dayton around the beloved wheat fields her father farmed.After graduating from Dayton High School, she attended Washington State College in Pullman and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. There she met Marlowe Harold Jones, a student in WSCÂ's school of veterinary medicine. They were married December 31, 1940 in Moscow, Idaho. After MarloweÂ's graduation in 1943, they returned to Dayton where he practiced for two years. They moved to Tacoma in 1945 and in 1946 Jones Animal Hospital was established. Helen lived in the Tacoma/Milton area for nearly 60 years until May 2004, when she moved to Olympia.Her number one priority was always her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved farm life. So, in 1953, the five JonesÂ's moved to 20 acres in Tacoma. There, Helen helped her children raise a variety of livestock as well as numerous cats and dogs. Helen enjoyed her flower and large vegetable gardens. Additional hobbies included bird watching and nature of all kinds, crocheting, reading and traveling. She took classes in ceramics, pottery, and oil painting. Always active and involved, she belonged to the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Eastern Star, and Daughters of the Nile. She was a docent at TacomaÂ's Point Defiance Zoo for many years. One of the highlights of her life was a trip around the world in 1963 with a People-to-People wheat study tour.Helen is survived by her three children: son Richard W. Jones (Jean), of Dayton, WA; daughter E. Ann Olson (Sid), of Olympia, WA; and son Michael H. Jones, DMV of Tacoma, WA; 7 grandchildren: Richard W. Jones, Jr., Christie Jones Utt, Doric M. Olson, Marsid Olson Franceschini, David W. W. Jones, Alexandra Jones and Jordin Jones; 9 great-grandchildren; an aunt, Sarah Lyman of Dayton; and several cousins.A family graveside service was held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens in Tacoma on June 11, 2005. Memorials in her name may be made to AlzheimerÂ's Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, PO Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950; or a charity of your choice.The family wishes to thank all who have sent cards, flowers, prayers, and condolences. Your kind words and sympathy are deeply appreciated.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?