Helen L. Jones

Helen L. Jones, age 92, formerly of Upland, died early Tuesday morning, May 25, 2021 in Heritage Pointe in Warren, where she had been a resident since June 2018. Born on the family farm in Monroe Township of Grant County on Friday, July 13, 1928 to D. Estel and Margaret (Green) Spencer, she was the youngest of three and the only daughter. She enjoyed her growing up years and felt that life on the farm was the best. She loved recalling the stories of farm life and especially telling her brothers how much harder she worked than they did. She was a proud member of the Jefferson Township class of 1946. After graduating she was involved in many activities including being a Rural Youth leader, dancing with a square-dancing team that traveled to Chicago to appear on a popular country and western show, and she was a left-handed pitcher for an Upland softball team. While working at Showalter's Grocery in Upland, she met Upland's new funeral director, Robert Jones. They married on August 26, 1951 at the Upland Methodist Church. As she adjusted to the life of a funeral director's wife and living in town, she learned to enjoy her new role and embraced it with great success. She loved talking to people and being present to assist in time of grief. In 1955, she gave birth to a son, Rick, and in 1961 gave birth to a daughter, Sharon (Shari). In addition to working in the funeral home, she raised her family in the upstairs apartment. She was maid, cook, janitor, bookkeeper, receptionist and mother. In 1971, she went to work at Taylor University, first in the print shop, then in the Advancement Office where she was Director of Donor Services. She retired in 1999. After her retirement she continued working at the funeral home until shortly before her 90th birthday. She was a member of the Upland United Methodist Church, but attended Upland Community Church in her later years, the Upland Order of the Eastern Star, No. 411, Upland Historical Society, Our Town Upland, and the former Epsilon Deca Club and the Phygo Club. She reluctantly moved to Heritage Pointe when it became clear that she could not safely live alone, but she was not there long before she fell in love with the staff and her fellow residents. She enjoyed the activities and the dining. Her family is grateful for the wonderful care she received. Surviving are her children, Rick, Upland and Shari (David) Dickerson, Muncie; two grandchildren: Kevin Nichols, St Petersburg, FL; Kaitlyn Nichols, Noblesville; two step granddaughters, Sara (Taylor) Mock, Pendleton; Samantha Dickerson, Jacksonville, Florida; and one step great grandson, Beckham Mock. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Marjean Jones, Marion, and 16 nieces and nephews, along with many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1994, and her father in 1961 and her mother in 1981. She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Warren and Mary Ellen Spencer, and Dale and Marilyn Spencer. Also, her brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law, Howard and Charline Jones and James M. Jones. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 259 N. Main St., Upland, where a visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Friday, May 28, 2021. The funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the Upland Community Church, 439 W. Berry Ave., Upland, with Pastor Mark Biehl officiating. Burial will follow in Jefferson Cemetery, Upland. Memorial contributions may be made to Upland Community Church, 439 W Berry St, Upland, Indiana 46989 or Taylor University, 236 W Reade Ave, Upland, IN 46989. Visitation Fri, May 28, 2021 at 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Armes- Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services Jones Smith Chapel - Upland 259 North Main streetUpland, IN 46989Visitation Sat, May 29, 2021 at 9:00 am - 10:00 am Upland Community Church 439 W. Berry St.Upland, IN 46989Service Sat, May 29, 2021 at 10:00 am Upland Community Church 439 W. Berry St.Upland, IN 46989