Norma J. Jones

Norma Jane Jones, of Medina, NY, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. She was born on December 18, 1941 in North Tonawanda, a daughter of the late Jane (Crittenden) and Clarence Kraus. Norma grew up in Barker and graduated from Barker High School, where she met the love of her life, her husband, Gary Jones.

The two spent their young life raising five boys together: Jeff (Barbb) Jones, Tim (Dawn) Jones, Dan (Sean) Philpott-Jones, Chris (Anita) Jones, and Ric (Karen) Jones. Norma is also survived by her grandchildren: Jasmine (Jason) Michalski, Cody (Taylor) Jones, Patrick (Shannon) Jones, Morgan Jones, Nich (Julie) Jones, Ryder Jones, River Jones, Nicole Montpetit and Isiah Montpetit; and great-granddaughter, Maia Michalski.

Norma and Gary made their home in the West Shelby neighborhood of Medina, where the two shared an incredible 64 year adventure and love story. Together, they traveled and camped all over the United States. Recently, they traveled out West, visiting all the places they had long ago taken their young family. On that trip, Norma was especially taken with a statue in South Dakota called Dignity. 

Norma was known for her deep love for her family and her faith in a loving God. She believed that the Red House Campground at Allegany State Park, which she visited every year of her life since she was a small girl, was the most magical place on earth. She is remembered for her steadfast loyalty, her infectious laughter, her eye for interior decorating, and her love of all things Christmas. In more recent years, Gary and Norma were faithful volunteers working for local elections. For more than 18 years, she also dedicated much of her time to the Medina Mustang Marching Band Boosters, serving as the Uniform Chairperson and band mom to dozens of children. She passed her love of music on to her children and grandchildren, some of whom made it their life’s work.

Norma was a talented gardener, a gifted quilter who hand-stitched all of her work, a clever wordsmith, and a prolific reader. Many in Medina knew Norma for her deep love of books from her many years of working at the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library. In retirement, she helped as a de facto ambassador of the library and member of the Friends of the Library. She regularly delivered and retrieved book loans to shut-ins and to those without transportation. Norma was also a member of the Kindness Committee at her church, St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church of Medina. At wedding receptions, Norma was proud that she and her husband so often won “dance-offs” for the couple who had been married the longest.

She is predeceased by her mother and stepfather, Jane and Vern Spears; and her brothers, Dave and Ken Kraus.

 Family and friends are invited to attend her memorial service and Celebration of Life on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 11AM at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1355 West Ave., Medina. The service will be followed by a light luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Norma’s name may be made to the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave., Medina, NY 14103 or to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at the address above. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.