Obituary of Florence Esther Jones

   Florence Esther Jones, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, was born on December 23, 1929 to Christ and Etta (Ludwig) Kluver on the family farm near Akron, IA in Plymouth County. She was baptized at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Chatsworth, IA. One of nine children, Florence spent her childhood with her siblings in the Chatsworth area, receiving her education there through the 8th Grade.

    Once out of school, she began taking on household duties for different families in the area. Being the second oldest in her own family, she knew her way around the kitchen at an early age, and was adept at child care having helped her mother at home.

    John Edwin Jones, "Jack", as he was known, was among those who enlisted her housekeeping services, as well as her help in caring for his two small girls. Eventually, they all formed a life together, completing the family with two more daughters: Charlotte and Pam. The next 50 years were spent in Hartley, IA where Charlotte and Pam grew up, went to school and left home to begin their own way.

    Life usually centered around school activities and day-to-day household chores, but some lasting family memories were made on summer camping trips together. For a few years, Florence enjoyed bowling on a league in Hartley; quieter evenings were spent crocheting or knitting. When it came to baking, Florence was the "Queen" of the kitchen, and everything she stirred up was a delight to all...especially her homemade pies! She also took pleasure serving as a Sunday School teacher at Hartley United Methodist where she was a member.

    After Jack passed away in 1997, Florence continued living in Hartley, but spent a few winters in Florida to escape the cold. She found employment at Eaton Manufacturing in Spencer, IA, working there until her retirement. When her health dictated a move, she relocated to Plattsmouth, NE to be closer to family. She passed from this life on Friday, January 12, 2018 at the age of 88.

    Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Jack; daughter, Charlotte Buchholtz; step-daughter, Gini Burkhart; and one sister, Deloras Milliken.

    Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Pam (Roger) Pierce, and children: Melissa (Jim) Thompson, Cari (Kevin) Tilson, and Matt Pierce, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; her son-in-law, Larry Buchholtz and son, Scott (Cappie) Buchholtz, three great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; step-daughter, Beverly (Jerry) McGuire, and children: Nancy (Harold) VerSteeg, Doug (Diana) McGuire, and Dan McGuire, six great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren; grandchildren: Steve (Oona) Burkhart, Kris (David) Slentz, Amy (Bill) Roberts, and Tim Burkhart, nine great-grandchildren; three sisters: Irene, Alvina, and Verletta; four brothers: Don, Chris, Vern, and Derwood; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

~ Blessed and Eternal be her Memory ~

Celebration of Life   

FLORENCE JONES

Born ~ December 23, 1929

Died ~ January 12, 2018

Age ~ 88 years    19 days

Funeral Service

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

11:00 a.m.

United Methodist Church

Hartley, Iowa

Clergy

Pastor Kevin Gingerich

Organist

Julie Back

Special Music

Whitney Houston - CD

"His Eye Is On The Sparrow"

Congregational Singing

Processional ~ "In The Garden"

Recessional ~ "The Old Rugged Cross"

Pallbearers

Matt Pierce    Scott Buchholtz    Jim Thompson

Jake Thompson    Doug McGuire    Dan McGuire

Interment

Pleasant View Cemetery

Hartley, Iowa