Charlotte (Char) M. Jones of Helena, MT went to heaven on March 24 2016, a day before her 88th birthday. Born on March 25, 1928 in Sullivan, IN to farmers James and Lora Jane Ingersoll, Charlotte spent many days avoiding chores by hiding in their family’s orchard trees. Her love of music started at a young age when she was given her first instrument by her older sister. This passion grew throughout high school and into college, where she graduated from Indiana State University in 1950 with a degree in Music Education. While in college, she met a young and very handsome Verle Jones, who originally had his sights on her roommate. However, he was soon captivated by her blue eyes and sassy spirit. During their 57 years of marriage, they lived in northern Indiana and Wisconsin where Char positively impacted many childrens’ lives as an elementary school teacher. Many of these students kept in touch with her years after she retired. Charlotte and Verle later built their dream home in Forest Park in 1988 and traveled throughout the state on many great adventures.
Charlotte’s Christian faith was very important to her. She taught Sunday School, was a Choir Director and Pianist at each church she attended, and also participated in a multi-church Christmas Cantata Choir for many years. She was involved in bringing the Franklin Graham Crusade and the local Christian radio station to Helena. She could never fully retire from teaching–she was a substitute teacher at Cornerstone Christian School and was also the chairman of the Lewis and Clark County Spelling Bee committee that brought together students from various schools in the state. Music remained her passion. She passed on her love of music to all of her children and some of her grandchildren. For almost 20 years, she played first chair trombone with the State Capital Band, even through last summer in spite of her dementia. That was one ability that was never forgotten.
Charlotte’s legacy lives on through her children Donna Knuth of Johnston City, IL, Jim (Jo Ann) Jones of Helena MT, and Kathryn (Robert) Rabe of Oak Creek, WI, grandchildren Kelley Jones, Missoula, MT, Brian Laschober, Milwaukee, WI, Leona Kopp, Oak Creek, WI, Richard Laschober, Milwaukee, WI, Krystine Rabe, Camp Pendelton, CA, Robert Rabe Jr, Milwaukee, WI and great grandchildren Adien, Mason, Ethan and Tyler.
The family would like to thank the staff at Aspen Gardens and Renaissance Senior Care Center for their gracious and loving care of Mom during her time with them. Your compassion will never be forgotten.
The funeral service to celebrate Charlotte’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2nd at Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback Street. Immediately following the funeral service a reception will be held in the social hall of the Church. A committal service will follow the reception at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7100 N. Montana Avenue, Helena. Memorial donations may be sent to Life Covenant Church or to the State Capital Band. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Charlotte.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 2, 2016
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Saturday April 2, 2016
Life Covenant Church Social Hall
800 N. Hoback Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday April 2, 2016
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 2, 2016
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Saturday April 2, 2016
Life Covenant Church Social Hall
800 N. Hoback Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday April 2, 2016
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Stephanie Bossell says
Sending you Jim, your friends and family my prayers. Be thankful she is at peace. Remember all the good times you had with such a loving and wonderful woman. Stephanie Bossell
Sharon says
Your family has my deepest sympathy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Well, I was thinking of something to say to ease the tremendous pain that your family is suffering. So I compiled this list of scriptures that is sure to bring you comfort in this difficult time: Psalms 55:22 Proverbs 3: 5 & 6; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; James 4:8; and Revelation 21:4. Be strong. Cherish the memories. May the peace of God be with your family always. And, please, remember to call upon his name found at Psalms 83:18.
Sandy Bradford says
Jim and JoAnn – my heartfelt sympathies to you. Gosh, the memories of both Verle and Char take me back to Cornerstone Academy years. What great parents; great people who influenced our world in a marvelous way. With special caring, Sandy Bradford