Ardith Jones

Longtime Franklin resident Ardith Johanna (McClure) Jones, 89, passed away November 1, 2017 in the comfort of her own home just outside of Franklin, Nebraska.

Ardith and her twin brother Aubrey were born in rural Smith County, Kansas on July 1, 1928 to Olen and Tena (Smith) McClure. Upon her graduation from Athol High School in 1946, Ardith attended classes at Fort Hays where she received her teaching certificate. She taught in one room schools in the Athol area until her marriage to John "Jay" Jones on June 11, 1955. Six children were born to this union; Glenda, Glenn, Carol, Cindy, Allen and Arlyn.

In September 1960, Ardith and Jay moved from the Athol area to their farm two miles northwest of Franklin where she and Jay lived and farmed for the rest of their lives. Jay also was the County Judge of Franklin County from 1965 until his retirement in 1985.

Ardith was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Franklin. She taught Sunday school and helped with Vocational Bible School. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and president of the women's circle for many years.

Ardith was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jay in 1990; brother, Aubrey in 1970; and daughters, Cindy in 1961 and Glenda in 2002.

Survivors include son Glenn Jones of Franklin; daughter Carol Shepard and husband Robert of Lafayette, Indiana; son Allen Jones and wife Irene Parungo of Centennial, Colorado; and son Arlyn Jones of Shelton, Nebraska; grandchildren Jennifer Pusey of Oro Valley, Arizona, Melissa Sterrett and husband Miles of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Amanda Shepard of Lafayette, Indiana (Carol and Robert) and Lindsey Parungo of Centennial, Colorado (Allen and Irene); and great grandchildren, Olen Shepard of Lafayette, Indiana, Zane Sterrett, and Aubrey Sterrett, both of Indianapolis, Indiana.

A celebration of life service for Ardith J. Jones was held, Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Franklin, Nebraska, with Pastor Phil Sloat officiating. Mrs. Connie Kahrs, was the organist, and the congregation sang three hymns - "Victory in Jesus", "Hymn of Promise", and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". Casket bearers were - Glenn Jones, Allen Jones, Arlyn Jones, Robert Shepard, Scott Harrick, and Layton Harrick. Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin, Nebraska, Next to her late husband, John. Visitation was at the Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, November 06, 2017. The family suggests memorials in honor of Ardith be given to the funeral home, and a charity will be named at a later date. Online condolences can be left at www.hutchinsfh.com. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska, was in charge of arrangements.