Helen Jones Obituary

On June 16th, 2024, Helen Jones departed her earthly life passing on to eternal glory. Left to remember her fondly and always are her daughter, Kathleen Jones (Dick Hewins) of Des Moines, her son, Douglas Jones of Parker, CO, and grandchildren Grant Hewins (Maura Walsh) of Des Moines, Daniel Hewins (Jessie), of Fayetteville, NC, Elizabeth Zeile (Nathan) of Denver, CO, and Erin Jones, of Denver, CO, great-grandchildren Theodore Hewins, Maeve Hewins, and Henry Hewins. Preceding Helen in death were her husband of 64 years, Claude Jones, parents Walter and Katherine Virtue, and daughter-in-law, Laura Corson Jones.

A Celebration of Helen’s Life will take place at Deerfield Event Center at Deerfield Retirement Community, 13731 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA on Friday, July 19th, at 11:30 am with lunch to follow.

Helen recently said hers had been a long and beautiful life. Helen was born March 30, 1932, in Monmouth, Illinois, the only child of descendants of Scots Irish immigrants. Despite the worldly tensions of the era, her childhood felt charmed growing up in the scenic rural environment of northwest Illinois surrounded by a large extended family.

Following her graduation from Hanover High School, Helen attended Bradley University where she met Claude. They married after a six-month whirlwind courtship, making their home and beginning family life in Morton, Illinois.

The family moved to Des Moines when Claude and Helen started Mobile Auto Glass which was the first business in Iowa to bring replacement glass to the car. To this business they added a glazing business, Amalgamated Glass and Mirror, a radiator repair business, and a specialized RV business. They worked well together and successfully.

Travel was a priority for the young family and continued into their retirement years. Road trips were taken whenever a few days presented themselves - lakes, mountains, oceans, with historical sites and curiosities along the way. The trips developed into more elaborate adventures to wilderness areas of Canada, a sightseeing trip to Israel, fishing and exploring from Alaska to Costa Rica, and wintering in Arizona and Texas where they made many friends.

Helen’s greatest joys were as a wife and mother creating a warm nurturing home life, always with three balanced meals per day. Fussing with her flowers and feeding the birds was a lifelong passion. She genuinely loved the company of many people and they enjoyed hers. Helen was an active member of Windsor Presbyterian Church, PEO Chapter IE, Calvin Community Auxiliary Board, and many social groups. Entertaining was an inherent talent of hers, putting people at ease with her warm spirit and hospitality. Whether it was her home, her table, her gardens, or simply her presence, everything was beautiful.

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