White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Lela I. Jones, 97 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at ABCM Rehab. of Independence.  She was born on March 15, 1923, in Buchanan County, Iowa, the daughter of Harry I. and Alverda Milletta (Angelow) Gates.  She graduated from high school in Rowley, Iowa, with the Class of 1942.  On June 17, 1942, she and Frederick William Jones were married in Jesup, Iowa.  They later divorced.  Mrs. Jones was a psychiatric aide at the Mental Health Institute in Independence.  She retired in 1988.  She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence, The Red Hat Ladies, and the People Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.  She was a constant volunteer at the hospital, the Buchanan County Senior Center, and Immanuel Lutheran Church.  During more quiet times, she could be found crocheting.

Mrs. Jones is survived by 1 daughter, Sharon Kolosik of Marion, Iowa, 3 sons, Ralph (Carol) Jones, Robert (Doreen) Jones, and Roger (Vickey) Jones, all of Independence, 6 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 grandchildren, 1brother, and a half sister and her husband.

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private graveside service will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  A memorial fund has been established.  White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.