Carolyn Mae Jones

Carolyn, beloved wife of 43 years to Dan and mother of Debra and James, died peacefully at her home and went to be with her Lord on June 10, 2013.
Carolyn's life is a testimony to her strong faith and loving spirit to all she met. She was loved by many and utilized the gifts God gave her, especially the gifts of service to others, unconditional love for family and friends, and a spirit that moved people to grow their faith. Carolyn's beliefs centered on glorifying the Lord in everything she did. Her focus was always on eternity.
Carolyn's family moved frequently during her early childhood years. After her father left the Army in 1952, her family moved to Oklahoma for three years. In 1955 they moved to Southern California where her father continued his career in the oil drilling business. After several years they moved north to Rio Vista, CA on the Sacramento River before finally settling down in Loleta, CA (near Eureka) in 1960. As a result of all these transitions, Carolyn developed an ability to make close friends. She attended elementary school in Loleta and high school in Fortuna, CA.
Carolyn graduated from Fortuna High School in Fortuna, CA in 1967, where she was director of school spirit (is this a surprise?) and also a commencement speaker.
She met her life-long love, Dan Jones, at a dance in September 1966, when they were both 17. Carolyn was starting her senior year in high school and Dan was beginning college at Humboldt State College in Arcata, CA. That began a three + year courtship, leading to marriage on June 6, 1970 at the Loleta Evangelical Free Church in her hometown of Loleta, CA. Pastor Gordon Donoho officiated the wedding and his wife, Hope, gifted us in song. Pastor Donoho is here this week to eulogize Carolyn, as Dan and her completed the vows that Pastor gave them 43 years ago.
After marriage, Carolyn and Dan lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for four years. During this time Debra was born in 1971, and James 20 months later….both in San Jose, CA.
A job change for Dan took them back to Eureka, CA in 1974 where they spent eight great years experiencing their children's early school years, Carolyn's involvement in church youth programs and women's bible studies, and the start of many lasting friendships that continue to this day.
In 1982, Carolyn and Dan moved to Southern California where they lived in Thousand Oaks for 15 years. Dan worked for Boeing in Canoga Park, CA and Carolyn spent twelve years running a Little League Snack Bar for youth baseball every spring. This was the jump-start to Carolyn's interest in cooking, serving others, and, in general, organizing events and activities. Debra and James graduated from high school during this time.
The opportunity came in 1998 to move to Idaho, as Dan was blessed to work for Hewlett-Packard and a new life commenced for both Carolyn and Dan. Carolyn worked for Albertson's Corporate Office from 1998 to 2006 as an audit clerk. She made many lasting friendships during this time, and again was involved in organizing anything that needed organizing. Her kindness and loving spirit was felt by many as she extended herself into any activity that moved people forward.
She was heavily committed to her church, Trinity Evangelical Free Church, and also various bible studies, women's ministries, and volunteering for Campus Crusade for Christ events and other activities involving Christian education for youth.
Besides cooking and organizing activities and events, Carolyn enjoyed traveling with Dan to different locales around the country and world, and just being with people. She was energized by friendships.
Carolyn was a member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church of Boise and served as a deaconess and youth Sunday School teacher for many years.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Dan of Meridian, daughter Debra (Matt) Grenke of Star, ID., her son James of Missoula, Montana and her grandson Jace Grenke. She is also survived by her sister Sue Scroggins of Oklahoma, Charles (Sandy) Gamel of Albany, OR, and Herman (Linda) Jones of Meridian, ID., along with many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Ann Jones and brother Sonny Gamel.
Memorial contributions can be made in Carolyn's name to Legacy Hospice 680 S. Progress, Suite 2A, Meridian, CA. 83642 and St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute in Boise, ID.
The family sincerely thanks the doctors, nurses, and health care professionals at St. Luke's MSTI, Dr. Fred Fender of St. Alphonsus Medical Group, Legacy Hospice of Meridian, and Dr. Ryan Holbrook of Cancer Care Northwest of Spokane, WA.
Graveside service will occur on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 10:00am at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise, ID.
Memorial Service will follow at 11:00am at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, located at 1777 N. Allumbaugh in Boise. Pastor Sam Tremaine will officiate the services. Lunch will follow the service.
Visitation for family and friends will occur on Thursday evening, June 13, from 6:00-8:00pm at Accent Funeral home located at 1303 N. Main St. in Meridian, ID.
Remembrances may be left online for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com