Virginia E. Jones

Virginia Ellen Jones, 86, of Paola, Kansas passed away December 1, 2017 at Olathe Medical Center. Virginia Ellen was born to George and Ava Downs on May 17, 1931 in Spring Hill, Kansas. She grew up on a farm outside Spring Hill with her parents and two younger sisters. Shortly after graduating from Paola High School in 1949, she went to work at Southwestern Bell as a phone operator where she met and married her first husband, Dale R. Gronemyer. She welcomed two sons, Mike and Steve, in 1953 and 1956 respectively. They lived and resided in Parkville, MO where she wrote a garden column for the local newspaper. Virginia and her sons moved to Paola shortly after her divorce in 1964. She went to work at the local sewing factory as a quality inspector. It was in Paola where she met Bill Jones in 1966. They married on December 5, 1969 and with him came two daughters, Cindy and Karen. They welcomed their youngest son, Casey, in 1970. She was actively involved with the boy scouts and cub scouts, serving as a Den Mother and mentor during her sons’ young lives. She volunteered in the Holy Trinity Catholic School kitchen during her youngest son’s years there. After volunteering at Holy Trinity, she worked for the USD 368 Foodservice for 11 years before retiring. All the years she continued to be a devoted homemaker, wife, grandmother, caretaker, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, sewing, painting and needlework. She was very devoted to her family, never forgetting anyone’s birthday. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents George and Ava Downs as well as her sister, Betty Moser. She is survived by her sister Jo Ann Curran of Paola, KS, husband Bill Jones of Paola, KS, her children Mike Gronemyer of St. Louis, MO, Steve Gronemyer and Casey Jones both of Paola, KS, Cindy Jones of Olathe, KS and Karen Ricci of Lenexa, KS. Survivors also include 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and a multitude of friends. Respects may be paid at the visitation from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm with a rosary to follow at 7:00 pm Tuesday December 5, 2017 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 E. Chippewa St. Paola, KS. The service will take place at 10:00 am Wednesday December 6, 2017 at the church. Burial will be in Wagstaff Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Paola Boy Scouts or the Holy Trinity Catholic School c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 305 N. Pearl Paola, KS 66071. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Virginia's Tribute Wall.