Neva Viola Ward Jones

Neva Viola Ward Jones passed away on Friday, April 26, 2019, in Malad City, Idaho.

She was born on April 22, 1930, in Malad City, Idaho, the daughter of George Merlin Ward and Viola Thomas Ward. She had five sisters, Melba (Deschamps), Betty Jean (VanHorn), MaryLou (Jones), Lois (Davis) and Judith Ann (Jones). They all grew up on the family farm. Neva attended Malad public schools.

Neva married Cleland A. Jones on August 12, 1947, and she became an Army wife. They first lived in San Antonio, Texas where their first child, Marilyn, was born. Cleland later joined the Air Force and Neva and Marilyn stayed in Malad while he served in Japan. After Cleland returned from Japan, the family moved to Edward’s Air Force Base in California, and on November 20, 1953, their son, Randy Cle, was born. A stillborn daughter was born in December 1955, named Kaye Marie.

After Cleland retired from the Air Force, the family moved back to Utah, and their surprise daughter, Jackie Lynn, was born in July 1967. The family later moved to Malad, where they became active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Neva enjoyed serving in many callings in the Church.

Neva was a member of a bowling league for many years in Malad. She enjoyed all things country, especially country music and she loved horses!

Neva is survived by her two sisters, Lois Davis and Judith Ann Jones; her daughter, Marilyn Craig-Jones, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cleland; children, Randy and Jackie; three sisters, Melba, Betty and MaryLou, and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 3 at 1 p.m. in the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 N. Friends may visit with the family from 11:30-12:45 prior to the funeral. Burial will follow in the Malad City Cemetery.