Lila Ruth Jones

1926 - 2021

Lila Ruth Jones

Lila Ruth Jones passed away peacefully, in her home inDenton, Texas, early Sunday morning, June 20, 2021.

Born to Charlie and Mary Jones, on November 11, 1926 in Bonham Texas, Lila was the youngest of four children. She had fond memories of her childhood, including summer day trips with her family to Lake Bonham for early swims followed by breakfast cooked over an open fire. She spent much of her time on her grandparents' farms with her extended family. Her brothers had dogs for pets. Lila had a black and white chicken. She shared a first grade classroom with her cousin Richard, who was once reprimanded for throwing paper airplanes at her head. Lila told the teacher not to be concerned "It's ok, he's my cousin", she said "he was like my brother".

Lila attended North Texas State College in Denton, graduating with a business degree in Secretarial Science. During her freshman year, she lived in a boarding house with her mother who felt like she was still too young to live there on her own, while her father remained in Austin serving as a senator in the Texas State Senate. While at NTSC she met Donald Mitchell Jones in a business communication class. During roll call , the professor called out, "Jones". They both raised their hands. Although at first she thought the four year difference made him too old for her, love eventually won out and the "Tale of Two Joneses" ensued. They married on September 8, 1947. They were together for 54 years and enjoyed NTSU/UNT events, traveling, and any and all church activities. Lila loved having family and friends around her and she always loved a good meal followed by pie. Her pie crust was like no other!

Living in San Angelo, Graham and later Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Lila and Donald finally made a home in Denton where they raised four children, LyAnn, Don, Wallace and Robert. She was a loving, caring, mother and wife who gave selflessly to her family and others. This was her vocation. Devoted to God, church family and friends, Lila embodied caring. Beginning in 1972, she served as administrative and financial secretary for First Presbyterian Church in Denton for over 30 years. Visitors to the church office found cheerfulness, kindness, graciousness and unending patience from Lila. She always took time to enjoy being with others all while managing her responsibilities for the church. The people of First Presbyterian were a treasure for Lila and the people of First Presbyterian treasured her.

Lila was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, husband Donald and her son Don. She is survived by daughter LyAnn Jones Peterson and husband Soren of Ulstrup, Denmark; daughter-in-law Kim Jones of Grapevine; son, Wallace Jones and wife Stacie of Flower Mound; and son, Robert Jones and his wife Becky of Denton; grandchildren Scott Jones and fiancé Pilar Ortiz of Boston, Massachusetts; Steven Jones and wife Tiffany of Carrollton; Katie Batty and husband Josh of Dallas; Allison Jones and fiancé Colby McAnally of Memphis, Tennessee; Kelly Jones of Carrollton; Kevin Jones of Denton; Daniel Jones and wife Hannah of Denton;and Hadley Jones of Flower Mound. She had 3 great grandchildren, Caroline and Lillian Jones of Carrollton and Lila Jane Batty of Dallas.

The family is grateful for the expressions of love and care so many have extended to Lila during her life. We are indebted, in particular, to Debbie Rienhard, Becky's sister, who answered God's call. Her care for Lila over this last year has been extraordinary. Lila could not have asked for a more loving and devoted caregiver.

A viewing will be held from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m. at DeBerry Funeral Directors on Thursday, June 24, 2021. The graveside service will be at 4:00 p.m., Friday, June 25th at Roselawn Cemetery in Denton, comfortable clothing encouraged by all who attend. Finally, a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 26th at First Presbyterian Church of Denton followed by a reception.

Memorial gifts may be made to the University of North Texas (The Donald M. and Lila R. Jones Scholarship - F0109), Denton Christian Preschool and First Presbyterian Church of Denton