Emilia Jones, 103
When anyone is able to carry a life crescendo 100-plus years, they also carry with them an equivalent number of stories that impact countless lives.
For Emilia Jones, there is no one tale that can fully embody the woman that I came to look up to at an early age. She was a woman who made you laugh, inspired you to be the best person you can be, and cared deeply for you in a way only a grandmother can. That was Emilia Jones and she has left a fingerprint on my soul that will last eternity. And it was with those same hands that she was able to spread her love and affect so many people in so many ways.
Born on Jan. 25, 1913, in the small town of Chinipas, Chihuahua Mexico, she was passed away Dec. 27, 2016. The eldest of 6, Emilia took on most of the responsibilities of helping to raise her younger sisters and brother. In her early 30s she further impressed, when she moved to San Diego and took English as a second language, and attended nursing school. While working as a student nurse at Mercy Hospital, she met her soon-to-be husband Barden Jones (lucky guy).
After marriage they settled in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and raised four children. Barden worked as a project manager at Solar Aircraft in San Diego and eventually owned his own machine shop. When her youngest started school, Emilia was able to continue her love of nursing at a small hospital in Encinitas. She continued working there until she was 70.
An excellent cook, gardener and seamstress, there was no end to Emilia’s skills. She sewed many dresses for her daughter and made the kids’ Halloween costumes every year. Emilia’s strong tie to the Catholic faith sustained her through difficult times. One of the most humble women, she prayed every day selflessly to send her love to others. Emilia helped raise her two grandchildren in California, but as they got older, and more independent, she moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, in the early 1990s to be with her twin toddler grandchildren. She was loved and admired by her family and community. Emilia spent her last years at Sandpoint Life Care Center; her family away from home. She loved each and every one of them and the Life Care staff loved and admired Emilia.
Quick as a whip with sharp sarcasm and an impressive work ethic even late into life, Emilia is remembered for her contagious laughter that could fill a room with joyous tears. She was an inspiration to each life she touched and showed what strength, determination and hard work can accomplish. She always saw the good in people and would challenge you if you ever saw otherwise. An incredible woman with a story I would happily reread and hope to share with my own children some day. Emilia will forever be missed.
—Her loving grandson
Emilia was preceded in death by four sisters and one brother; her husband, Barden Jones; and her son, Roderick Jones. Emilia was survived by her sister, Mercedes Figueroa; her children, Allen Jones (Sharon), Eddie Jones (Diane), Rosemarie Lewis Jones (Harold); five grandchildren, Trena, Kile, Hunter, Collin and Ian; and two great-grandchildren, Zeke and infant Emilia, born Dec. 26, 2016, the day before Emilia left us.
A family memorial service will be held this spring. Flowers or donations for Emilia may be made to Sandpoint Life Care Center.
Family and friends are invited to sign Emilia’s online guestbook at coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.