Central Oregonian

Helen Jones

Helen Margaret Jones, a Prineville resident, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at her home. She was 85 years old.

At her request, no public services will be held. Private burial will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Ore.

Helen was born in Brampton, Ontario, Canada on Dec. 4, 1924, to John and Saraphina (Von Zerfelt) Silverlight.

During WWII, she enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and served in the Medical Corps. She received an honorable discharge in December of 1945. She attended the University of California-Berkeley and received her Bachelors of Arts degree.

She married Donald F. Jones in Reno, Nev., on May 1, 1952. They resided in California, where she wrote a newspaper column called “It's Never Dull” in Willits, Calif.

They moved to Prineville in 1988. She wrote a book on Central Oregon flora and fauna called “80 Acres.”

She enjoyed nature photography, plants, and animals. She was an accomplished builder, and helped her husband build two homes. She was a member of the Episcopalian Church. Helen loved working with and carving wood, and making mosaics. Her main interests were plants and animals. She was known for her many letters to the editor to the Central Oregonian.

Helen is survived by her son, Douglas Jones of Olympia, Wash.; daughter, Linda Jones of Ontario, Ore.; and three grandchildren, Issac, Jasmine and Lila.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Arrangements are in the care of the Prineville Funeral Home.