Lillian Marcella Jones

Lillian Marcella Jones died Sept. 17, 2012, after goodbyes from her family.

The dedicated health care staff of Alaska Regional intensive care unit is much appreciated for their compassion, guidance and support. Special thanks to Jennifer Vaden.

Born Jan 28, 1937, in Portales, N.M., she grew up with pioneer parents (her father was a blacksmith early in the century and mother a longtime newspaper columnist) and her siblings.

She earned her teaching degree at Eastern New Mexico University, but fell in love with a young Minnesota airman from nearby Cannon Air Force Base early in her career. They had two daughters, and in 1969 moved to Alaska.

Lillian was a housewife while her daughters were young, was active in their academic lives, enjoyed outdoor activities with her family and still made time for sewing and gardening while enduring the rigors of being a military wife.

After Lillian’s daughters were older, she returned to full-time work with Elmendorf’s 3rd Communications Squadron. She and her husband moved to Sutton in 1988 into the home they built and commuted to Elmendorf/Fort Richardson for many years. After retirement, she enjoyed rural life and enthusiastically welcomed two grandchildren into her world.

Seven years ago, health issues required a move to the Anchorage Pioneers Home. She thrived under the loving, dedicated care there, but always missed the mountains and forests so different from the desert where she began her life’s journey.

Preceding her were her parents Georgiana Mae and Marshall Milton Cooper.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Arthur H. “Hap” Jones; daughter, Jennifer Griggs, son-in-law Chet and grandson Jacob of Anchorage; daughter, Julie Jones and granddaughter Meridith Dolfi of Palmer; sister, Laurie Wright of Clovis, N.M.; brother, Lewis Cooper of Texico, N.M.; and family all over the Southwest and central Minnesota.

At her request there will be no services other than a private family reading of Tennyson’s “Crossing of the Bar.” Her ashes will be interred at Fort Richardson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity, buy a child a book or simply reach out to family and friends.