Helen Jones

Helen Caroleen (Irwin) Jones was born on January 16, 1917, to Rufus and Gladys (Gardner) Irwin on a farm outside of Kincaid, Kansas. She walked a mile to a log one-room schoolhouse. All eight grades were taught there for her first year of school. The Irwins adopted a boy still in school so Caroleens second year she rode her pony to school about 5 miles to Kincaid with him. Her Sunday school teacher said Jesus loves us so she gave her heart to Jesus in Kincaid. Rufus and Gladys moved to Oklahoma City when Caroleen finished school at Capitol Hill High School. Caroleen was the oldest of seven children.

During World War II Caroleen met and married Wayne Jones. Wayne had been in the Navy. They moved to Yakima, Washington, where Caroleen kept house and worked at various jobs. Carolyn Ann, Sandra Gayle and Kenneth Lynn were born to Caroleen.

In 1970, Caroleen and Wayne moved to Moses Lake. Caroleen went to work inspecting potatoes until she retired. When Wayne died, Caroleen moved back to Yakima with her son, Ken.

Caroleen embroidered many beautiful scarves and pillowcases as gifts and as a hobby over the years. The Yakima library brought her books once a month to read. Caroleen was a loyal member of the Mary Circle at First Baptist Church in Yakima.

In August 1999, several vertebra collapsed in Caroleens back. She moved to Parkside Nursing Care where she could have the necessary care.

Caroleen is survived by grandchildren Lorie Wilson, Teresa Widman, Jon Melvin and Crystal Smith. Her great grandchildren are Mikayla Wilson, Tyler Wilson, McKinley Widman, Chandler Widman, Brandon Melvin, Chase, Alex, and two grandsons Darrell Jones and Francisco. Caroleen leaves sisters Wanda Thomas, Juanita Moody, and Darlene Galloway and one brother, Charles Irwin of Batesville, Texas.

She passed quietly and peacefully at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd.

Visitation will be offered on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Shaw & Sons Funeral Directors, 201 North 2nd Street, Yakima. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2009, at West Hills Memorial Park.