Betty Ruth Bales Jones, 89, longtime resident of Vinton, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.
She was born in Rose Hill, Va. on January 30, 1928 to the late Howell E. and Etta Jane Bales. Betty was the youngest of five with two brothers and two sisters. Of the five siblings, four graduated from college including her and her sisters. Her two brothers served their country and are veterans of World War II. She attended Thomas Walker High School and later taught there. Her best friend growing up was Opal Lee Jones; later to be her sister-in-law. Betty was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Radford College in 1950. She majored in home economics and taught school until the birth of her children. At that point, Betty focused all of her strength, courage and energy on being a loving wife and mother. Betty still maintained relationships with now grown children that she taught. If asked, she would tell you she always wanted to be a pharmacist.
Betty loved reading, gardening, sewing, aerobic swim class, spend time with family and friends including her grandchildren as they were added to the family. She was a longstanding member of Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church and was active in the United Methodist Women’s organization.
Betty was a Steel Magnolia full of honest opinions, unyielding family love and support, including her children’s activities, spirituality and strong belief. She was blessed to find and marry her soul mate, partner in life and husband of 61 years in her early life. Their undying love for each other continues to serve as an inspiration for family, friends and all that meet them.
She is survived by her husband, James R. Jones; children, Denise Jones Gaulin and her husband, Larry W. Gaulin, Duane Alan Jones and his wife, Patti Leigh Jones; grandchildren, Cody Alan Jones and his wife Abbey Jones, Taylor Nicole Jones; great-grandchild, Elias Jameson Jones, due in June 2017; brother, Eugene D. Bales; granddog, Bella.
A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 21, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel. A funeral service was also be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at Ewing Brethren Church, Ewing, Va., with interment to follow in Jones Cemetery.