Martha Luella Jones, 80, was born April 15, 1930, in Osceola, to Clarence William and Connie Martha (Leach) Drake and passed away on Dec. 2, 2010.
She graduated from school in Osceola in 1948 and then got her teaching certificate that summer.
Martha met Mason Jones and they were married after one month and 10 days. They were married for 39 years when Mason passed away. To this union seven children were born - Connie, Mason, Jim, John, Clayton, Janice and Randy.
She was a homemaker, always trying to take care of everyone. She took in laundry, baby-sat, cleaned dog kennels and even rolled newspapers for the Buyer’s Guide; anything to help support her family.
Her biggest job was raising seven children, which she did lovingly and firmly - mostly alone because Mason was away working as a steeplejack and a truck driver.
Martha’s greatest joys were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She held the family together with true stubbornness.
She was an avid bowler, winning many trophies, plaques and pins. Martha decided to quit when she finally had no choice. Other hobbies she enjoyed included reading books, quilting and crocheting Afghans, baby blankets and prayer blankets. Martha was an active member of the Late Bloomers Red Hat Society.
She loved the Senior Center and everything about it as well. She’s best known for working the front desk and calling bingo. Anytime there was a fundraiser she was in the middle of it. Once she sold over 500 raffle tickets, pestering everybody she knew and a lot she didn’t know. Her only holdout was a young man who later became her grandson. She delivered Meals on Wheels with her best friend, Nina Plaskett. She loved everyone with an open heart, seeing our faults but ignoring them.
Martha was a member of the First Christian Church in El Dorado Springs. She was baptized in Osceola at an early age. Serving on the Diaconette, teaching Youth Sunday School and the nursery for 19 years, the church decided she should be paid. She signed the back of the check and gave it back.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mason; grandson, Gary Isaacs; great grandson, Jeffery Holiday; brother, Bill Drake; and special friend, Jess Loter.
Martha is survived by her children - Connie Leonard, and husband, John - Harwood, Mason Jones Jr., and wife, Darlene - Princeton, KS, Jim Jones, and wife, Tish - Sumral, MS, John Jones, and wife, Trish - Columbus, MS, Clayton Jones, and wife, Missy - El Dorado Springs, Janice Potter, and husband, Bill – Carthage and Randy Jones, and wife, Tracy - Ghent, KY; siblings, John “Jack” Drake, and wife, Shirley - Potosi, Judy Cline, and husband, Frank - Tonasket, WA, and Linda Dykes, and husband, Leroy - Erick, OK; a stepson, Alfred Jones - Whorton, TX; 27 grand-children; 44 great-grand-children; and nine great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Nothing pleased Martha more than having her family come for visits and to bake peanut butter cookies and zucchini cake and her famous homemade noodles for them. She was surrounded by family at the time of her death.
Services were held Sunday, Dec. 5, in the First Christian Church in El Dorado Springs with Rev. Barbara Minton officiating. Music was Amazing Grace and”Holes In The Floor Of Heaven.
Casketbearers were - Mason Jones III, Justin Whitten, Mason Lee Jones, John Kirkpatrick, Brad Leonard and Rick Delk. Honorary casketbearers were - Tyler Jones, Clayton Jones, Jr. and Adam Horning.
Interment was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Dedrick.
Arrangements were by Sheldon Funeral Home El Dorado Springs.
