Irene Jones

Beulah Irene Drake was born on May 19, 1940, to Roy and Boots Drake in Childress, Texas. The family packed up and moved to Kingsburg via train when Irene was three. A few years later her sister Cheryl was born, completing their family. It was in Kingsburg that Irene would live out the remainder of her life. Irene attended grammar, and high school in Kingsburg. It was there at Kingsburg High School that she met her beloved husband, Walter. They married young on January 21, 1956, and were very nearly approaching their 70th anniversary when she passed. Shortly after their nuptials, Walt and Irene had their first child Danzie in 1956, followed by Brad in 1958, and their last child Brian in 1962. Irene was a very busy young mother of 3 at 21 years old. She was a devoted and supportive wife, by Walter's side in all his business endeavors throughout their marriage. A beautiful and loving soul, Irene was the very definition of a homemaker. From the time she was just 15 years old, she dedicated her life to building up her family, to ensure that each of them knew, without question, how deeply they were loved. She honored traditions, upheld them with care and purpose, and served as a beautiful example of what it means to live selflessly. Irene showed her love in countless ways, most often through cooking for her family, gathering them around beautiful tablescapes, and wonderful food. She never missed a birthday or special event and always had a greeting card to honor the occasion. She loved and cherished the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her home was always filled with love, warmth, laughter, and comfort. She loved life and travel, especially time spent with friends and family in one of her favorite places-Montana. It was there in Lima, Montana that she and Walter would establish their "home away from Home." They bought a plot of land by the river and proceeded to spend the next decades of their lives making it a magical place for their family and friends to enjoy and spend time together. From the moment her grandchildren were old enough, Irene would gather all of them up every summer, (5 at the time) and make the long drive to Lima with a car full of kids and a dog in her lap. It was there she and Papa Walt would teach their family the joys of trout fishing, hunting, four-wheeler riding, horses, pie baking, beautiful countryside, and so much more. These summer trips to Montana would become a fountain of happy memories and unforgettable experiences for their, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Such memories are the foundation of a life filled with joy and contentment, and for that her family is eternally grateful. Irene and Walt also loved making regular trips to Cayucos, where they would entertain friends and family. Irene always embodied a spirit of hospitality no matter where she was. She loved entertaining guests, and hosting parties or family functions. Providing a warm and inviting environment as a host was always very important to her, and something she excelled at. She was industrious in her work, and though small in stature, she was big in energy, busyness, work ethic, generosity, patience, and so many other things; but most importantly, love and affection. She worked tirelessly for as long as her body allowed, giving all that she had without complaint. Her strength, devotion, and gentle spirit will remain a legacy for generations to come. Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Boots Drake; her beloved son, Brian; and her cherished granddaughter, Kelcie. She is survived by her beloved husband, Walter Jones; her daughter, Danzie Cuen (Chris); her son, Brad Jones (Julie); her daughter-in-law, Tricia Jones; and her grandchildren, Casey Jones (Cristal), Jennifer Rossotti (Elliott), Travis Jones, Shailey Schmidt (Stephen), Jamie Visser (Nick), Makela Cuen, and Brady Jones. She is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren, each of whom was a source of immense joy and pride. Irene Jones will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her. The Jones family would like to express their endless gratitude to Irene's caregivers who lovingly provided support and companionship to her these last 3 and a half years. Thank you for everything. We appreciate you all so much. Gifts in Memory of Irene may be given to: Kingsburg Historical Society P.O. Box 282, Kingsburg, CA 93631 Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at the Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Irene Jones

May 19, 1940 - December 10, 2025