H. Gaynell Jones

H. Gaynell Jones, age 86, passed away at 1:23 pm, Monday, September 28, 2020 at her home following an illness. Gaynell was born on November 13, 1933 to Lewis (Lute) Olds and Violet Maxine (Foster) Olds. Gaynell lived in Joplin her entire life. She graduated from Joplin High School with the class of 1952. She played violin with the high school orchestra. Gaynell was a Christian. While in high school, Gaynell’s friend, Ruth introduced her to her brother Paul Hunter Jones and they were united in marriage on October 18, 1952. Paul passed away on June 16, 1970. After the death of her husband, Gaynell went to work to support her 6 young children. She worked in various restaurants and bars and became well respected as a bartender. She later worked at the Joplin Eagles Club where she served as a bartender and bookkeeper. She was a long-time member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Gaynell was a good cook and her kids fondly remember coming home from school to find cookies, candy, pies or cakes on the kitchen table. She also enjoyed crocheting and made many afghans for her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren have happy memories of Christmas candy making, Easter egg hunts and the always full candy bowl on Grandma’s coffee table. Surviving are her 6 children; sons David Jones of Carthage, MO and Charles Jones of Joplin; daughters, Debra Chester and husband Ray of Carl Junction, MO, Sherrie Smith of Joplin, Paula Parise of Duenweg, MO and Cindy Stevens and husband Mike of Springfield, MO. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren with another great-great grandchild on the way. Also surviving are her brother Lewis Olds and wife Teresa of Joplin, MO, sisters Linda Hemphill of Joplin, and Kristy Caddick and husband Rick of LaRussell, MO. In addition to her parents and husband, Gaynell was preceded in death by brothers Gary Olds and Terry Olds, a sister, Donna Olds and her longtime companion Harold Altman. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, October 2, 2020 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Chaplain Roger Flint will officiate. Burial will be in Osborne Memorial Cemetery, Joplin, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Due to COVID-19, friends and family are asked to protect those in attendance by wearing face masks and observe social distancing.