Lila Ruth Jones passed away peacefully in her home in Denton, Texas early Sunday morning, June 20, 2021.

Born to Charlie & Mary Jones November 11, 1925 in Bonham, Lila was the youngest of four children. She had fond memories of her childhood, including summers day trips with her family to Lake Bonham for early swims followed by breakfast cooked over an open fire. She spent much of her time on her grandparents' farm with her extended family. While her brothers had dogs for pets, Lila had a black & white chicken. She shared a first grade classroom with her cousin, Richard, who was once reprimanded for throwing paper airplanes at her head. Lila told the teacher not to be concerned. "It's ok, he's my cousin, he is like my brother", she said.

Lila attended North Texas State College in Denton, graduating with a business degree in Secretarial Science. During her freshman year, she lived in a boarding house with her mother who felt like she was still too young to live there on her own, while her father remained in Austin serving as a senator in the Texas State Senate. While at NTSC she met Donald Mitchell Jones in a business communication class. During roll call, the professor called out "Jones". They both raised their hands. Although at first she thought the four year difference made him too old for her, love eventually won out & the "Tale of Two Joneses" ensued. They married on September 8, 1947. They were together for 54 years & enjoyed NTSU/UNT events, traveling & any & all church activities. Lila loved having family & friends around her & she always loved a good meal followed by pie. Her pie crust was like no other!

Living in San Angelo, Graham & later Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Lila & Donald finally made a home in Denton where they raised four children; LyAnn, Don, Wallace & Robert. She was a loving, caring, mother & wife who gave selflessly to her family & others. This was her vocation. Devoted to God, church family & friends, Lila embodied caring. Beginning in 1972, she served as administrative & financial secretary for First Presbyterian Church in Denton for over 30 years. Visitors to the church office found cheerfulness, kindness, graciousness & unending patience from Lila. She always took time to enjoy being with others all while managing her responsibilities for the church. The people of First Presbyterian were a treasure for Lila & the people of First Presbyterian treasured her.

Lila was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents & siblings; & her son, Don.

Lila is survived by her daughter, LyAnn (Jones) Peterson & husband Soren of Ulstrup, Denmark; daughter-in-law, Kim Jones of Grapevine; son, Wallace Jones & wife Stacie of Flower Mound; son, Robert Jones & wife Becky of Denton; grandchildren Scott Jones & fiance Pilar of Boston, Massachusetts, Steven Jone & wife Tiffany of Carrollton, Katie Batty & husband Josh of Dallas, Allison Jones & fiance Colby of Memphis, Tennessee, Kelly Jones of Carrollton, Kevin Jones of Denton, Daniel Jones & wife Hannah of Denton and Hadley Jones of Flower Mound; 3 great-grandchildren, Caroline & Lillian Jones & Lila Jane Batty.

The family is grateful for the expressions of love & care so many have extended to Lila during her life. We are indebted, in particular, to Debbie Rienhard, Becky's sister, who answered God's call. Her care for Lila over this last year has been extraordinary. Lila could not have asked for a more loving and devoted caregiver.

A viewing will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm at DeBerry Funeral Directors on Thursday, June 24, 2021. The graveside service will be at 4:00 pm, Friday, June 25th at Roselawn Cemetery in Denton. Comfortable clothing encouraged by all who attend. Finally, a memorial service at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 26th at First Presbyterian Church of Denton followed by a reception.

Memorial gifts may be made to the University of North Texas (The Donald M. & Lila R. Jones Scholarship - F0109), Denton Christian Preschool & First Presbyterian Church of Denton.