Ilene Jones

Ilene Jones was a civic minded woman devoting many hours to her community in various service organizations. She was a talented musician who accompanied others on the piano, organ and accordion. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a great-grandmother whose top priority was her family. Born on August 15, 1923 in Edmore, Michigan to Gaylord Gail and Wilma (Barger) Jewell, Ilene was the older of two children. Gail and Wilma were both Junior High teachers and worked hard to raise Ilene and her younger brother, Robert. The years in which Ilene was growing up were idyllic, not only from an economic standpoint, but from a community standpoint as well. The small farming community of Crystal was a peaceful setting with relatives from both sides of the family living close by. In 1926, the family moved to Muskegon where both parents found employment at Howell School of Business. They later purchased Howell School of Business and along with other partners became instrumental in establishing Muskegon Business College and eventually Baker College. The family lived on Ireland Avenue near Nims Elementary School where Ilene attended school Ilene kept busy taking piano lessons, along with tap dancing and acrobatics. Later she learned to play the accordion and the organ. Her parents enrolled her in elocution lessons to ensure that Ilene could present herself well in public speaking. She enjoyed reciting poems for people. As a family, they were members of the First Baptist Church where they attended regularly. They spent their summers at their cottage on White Lake (although Ilene was never thrilled with fishing). During the holidays there were annual family gatherings back in Crystal with all the Barger and Jewell relatives. The family moved again, this time to a newly built house on Ruddiman Avenue in North Muskegon. Ilene was in the 9th grade at the time and ready to enter North Muskegon High School. Ilene excelled in high school, not only academically, but socially as well. She used her musical talents to play the accordion during halftime at football games. She also became active in theatre where she put her musical and dancing skills to good use. One fateful day, Ilene met a handsome young man named Erwin Erk Jones at Pere Marquette Park on Lake Michigan. It was the summer of 1939 and Erk asked Ilene to a dance. Since Erk went to Muskegon High School, he would have to hitchhike to North Muskegon in order to see Ilene. When he wanted to talk to her, he would pelt her window with pebbles to get her attention! When they went to each others proms, Ilene saved the ribbons from the corsages and kept them as a treasured keepsake for the rest of her life. Ilene graduated from North Muskegon High School in 1941. She and Erk continued dating and on January 23, 1942 they exchanged their vows. They spent their first 13 years living in Muskegon before moving into a house on Ruddiman Avenue close to Ilenes parents. They also started their family at this time with the birth of their daughter, Darlene later that year. Scott, Debora, and Randolph followed. Sadly, Randolph died a few days after his birth in 1956. Ilene stayed home to care for the children and run the household while Erk was a CPA and had his own accounting Firm. Taking an active part in community service, Ilene joined the PTA, eventually becoming president. She served as officer of numerous city service organizations and was a member of the Greater Muskegon Service League for over forty years. She was a longtime member of the International Sorority Beta Sigma Phi, serving many years as president. She also had the honor of being awarded the titles of North Muskegon City Council Girl of the Year, and Beta Sigma Phi Queen. As a couple, Ilene and her husband enjoyed golfing together at the country club where they were members (Ilene belonged to the Ladies League as well). They also enjoyed entertaining family and friends, Erk singing and Ilene accompanying him on the piano and organ. The family also attended the First Baptist Church where Ilene taught Sunday School as well. Sadly, Erk died in 1982 leaving behind a grieving wife and family. Ilene found employment at Baker College as the coordinator of the Work Study Program. She worked there for seventeen years until her retirement in 2001. She also stayed active in her many organizations and volunteer work. When Ilenes grandchildren came along, she excelled in the role of grandmother. Kevin, Randy, Sandra, McKenna and John had a grandmother who was active and attentive in their lives, giving them unconditional love in a way that only a grandmother can. Eventually, Ilene moved to Spring Lake. She joined the Christ Community Church and served there as an usher. When her health began to fail, she moved in with her daughter Darlene for a while and later moved in with her daughter, Debora. Ilene will be remembered for her years of service and dedication to the community and her church. Most of all, Ilene will be remember for her selfless caring of her family. These are the marks she leaves behind. She will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her in her long and fruitful life. Ilene Jewell Jones passed away at Debora's home on September 9, 2008. She is survived by son, Scott (Gina) Jones; daughters, Darlene (Carl) Dewald Johnson, Debora (Brian) Vanderlaan; grandchildren, Kevin Dewald & special friend Tonja of Spring Lake, Randy (Cindy) Dewald of Grand Haven, Sandra Jones & special friend Matt of Kalamazoo, McKenna & John Vanderlaan of Spring Lake; great grandchildren, Elise & Jack Dewald, Erica & Amaya Dewald; brother, Robert (Louise) Jewell of North Muskegon; several nieces & nephews; longtime friend, Donna Jacobson & caretaker, Linda Chaffin. Preceding her in death was a newborn son, Randolph Bruce in 1956 and her husband on January 4, 1982. A service will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2008, 2 PM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Bob Kleinheksel officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 10, from 6-8 PM & 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.