Ardis Arlene Jones
Share
Ardis Arlene Miller Jones, 92, of Lawrence, KS passed away Thursday morning at her home, Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living, surrounded by the love of her family, friends, and caring staff.
Ardis was born December 23, 1928, on the family farm near Downs, KS. She was born to Callie Hulett Miller and Rudolph Carl Miller. She made their family complete as their third daughter.
She attended Oakdale Country School (Osborne County), Downs High School (Downs, KS), and Barnes Business School (Denver, CO). Upon returning from Denver, she worked with her sister, Shirley at Hardman Lumber in Osborne. It is during this time she met her future husband, Walter Jones. They were united in marriage in a double wedding ceremony with her sister on September 4, 1949. Seven children were born to this union: Danny, Janelle, Rod, Janis, Bryan, Julie, and John. They farmed together near Glen Elder, KS before moving to Effingham, KS and then Hiawatha, KS.
Ardis devoted her life to raising her family, never missing her children’s events and the opportunity to cheer them on. Her children marvel at how she managed to care for them all the while working full time. She often commented how much she enjoyed her many jobs and the friendships she made along the way. In addition to working as a bookkeeper/secretary, she sold Avon and earned many top sales awards. This was a source of great pride for her. Upon her retirement from the Brown County Extension Office, she moved to Lawrence, KS to be closer to her children. It is here she had time to pursue her love of gardening, time with family, her dogs, and playing the piano. Ardis created a community of friends at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence by living her life with great faith, greeting her challenges with a smile, and having an open heart and a spirit of generosity.
Survivors include her children: Danny (Carolyn) Jones, Janis (Russel) Langford, Bryan (Sherry)
Jones, Julie (Fred) Ohse, John (Rachelle) Jones, son-in-law, Rick Moore, daughter-in-law, Michelle Jones. She also leaves sixteen grandchildren, Maranda (Nick) Manning, Barrett Jones, Shawn (Kristin) Moore, Chris (Christy) Moore, Ryan (Sheena) Moore, Callie (John) Nagle, Sam Jones, Lindsey (Chad) Brown, Leslie (Ben) Perez, Jennifer (Alex) Shumate, Joshua (Chelsey) Jones, Allison (Sam) Olker, Wyatt Ohse, Henry Ohse, Bella Jones, Cecilia Jones, eighteen great-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren on the way and her sister, Shirley McPeak.
Ardis was preceded in death by Walter Jones; her sister, Betty June Burns; her children, Janelle Moore, and Rod Jones; and granddaughter, Lara Langford.
The family will greet friends from 6-8 PM Monday, November 1st, 2021, at the Warren-
McElwain Mortuary. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church on November 2nd at 11:00 AM.
Family suggests memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church of Lawrence, Ascend Hospice, or a charity of your choice. To post a condolence or a favorite memory go to warrenmcelwain.com.
Through our decades-long friendship with Janis & Russel Langford, Dave and I have had the great privilege of getting to spend time with Ardis, and several other members of the Jones family, over the years.
What I remember most about Ardis, was the energy and zest she had for life, her gentle spirit, her lovely smile, her laughter, the twinkle in her eyes, and her devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a delightful lady, and I will surely miss her.
We send our love, and condolences, to Ardis’ large, and loving family, as we offer our best prayers for God to Bless Ardis, and Keep her in His Tender Care.
xox
Donna & Dave Anglin
We were Ardis neighbors from Crawford street. What a dear lady. We would often see her working in her yard and chat. I think she even sold me some “Avon Skin So Soft” when she first moved in. ???? Always gracious she would invite you into visit and have cookies when you shoveled her walk. She came with the neighbor ladies several years to Christmas cookie exchanges in my home. She had a sweet voice and friendly smile. We will remember her fondly
Kathy Willis
Julie and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ardis was one of the most kind people that I knew. I have many fond memories of getting ready for dances and games at the Jones’ home. She always made me feel welcome.
My husband, Brent, and I had the pleasure of knowing this darling lady through her delightful daughter, Julie. Along with her husband, Fred, Julie would have Ardis at their home for many family events and holidays. Often, Julie’s sibs brought their families. There could never be too many of the Jones gang.
Despite the increasing challenges to her hearing and vision, she always engaged with anyone around her. The love Ardis had for her kids, grandkids and in-laws beamed from her smiles and her welcome hugs. I wish I could have had a video camera on the Christmas games and shenanigans while everyone gathered at a hotel. I can imagine Ardis having so much fun and such satisfaction about her loving family.
I recall many anecdotes Julie would share about time with her Mom at Ardis’ house or out for other errands and appointments. I learned what a can-do gal Ardis was, including playing piano until recently. I often complimented Ardis on her thick beautiful hair, sharing my hair envy. But the best memory is her happiness with her family around her.
Sending blessings for the beautiful transition Ardis is having, feeling the unconditional love that is hers forever, and knowing she is sending her love to her loved ones.