Vernon Dale Jones

Vernon Dale Jones                        January 19, 1930 – March 19, 2022

Vernon Dale Jones, 92, died on March 19, 2022 in the comfort of his home in Folsom, CA. lovingly surrounded by his wife of almost 72 years, Gwen, and their four children and their spouses, Michael (Deanna) Jones, Margie Mourfield, Peggy (Bob) Swenson, and Raeann Jones.  He is also survived by eight grandchildren, their spouses and seven great grandchildren.

“Vern” was born January 19, 1930 in Sacramento, CA, the son of James Henry Jones and Mary Olivine Roberts Jones.  He was the youngest of eight children; five brothers and two sisters, all of whom preceded him in death.

Vern grew up on the family farm in the Del Paso Heights area of Sacramento where he met his best friend, Sonny Hobbs and his younger sister, Gwen, who would become his wife.  After graduating from high school, Vernon went to work for Pacific Telephone Co. Even though he was sent to work out of town by the Telephone Co., he would return home most weekends to spend time with Gwen. They were subsequently married two years later, on October 21, 1950.  On September 21, 1953 a son, Michael, was born, followed by three daughters, Margie, Peggy and Raeann.  Vern continued to work for “Ma Bell” for 35 years until his retirement in September 1982.

Vern knew the value of hard work.  While growing up during the Depression on the farm, he learned to fix things that were broken and make new things that were needed.  On weekends and holidays, with the help of his wife Gwen, they contracted and/or built several homes.  They built the last, and favorite home, on two acres in Shingle Springs, where they landscaped and planted fruit and nut trees, and a grove of redwood trees.

He taught each of his four children many useful life skills that they continue to use to build, create, maintain, cook, grow, repair, etc.  We are grateful he was patient enough to teach us many of these skills when we were young.  He continued to model a lifestyle of self-reliance, and helped the kids and grandkids with many a move, remodels of every shape & form.  He loved projects and was always the first to offer his help, continuing to work alongside us, teaching as he worked tirelessly on whatever scheme we were currently undertaking.

Vern was truly an all-around family man, creating many memories and traditions.  Every Easter Sunday Morning, from the time the children were toddlers, he would get up early to prepare waffles with strawberries & whipped cream for breakfast, which would become their life-long Easter favorite.  He also loved annual summer camping at Santa Cruz and at Donner Lake; and eating s’mores around the campfire. While in the heyday of their retirement years, Vern and Gwen enjoyed many RV trips, following the snowbirds to Arizona, and then the reverse, up the Oregon Coast route. Some spectacular cruises were enjoyed with friends who liked traveling together.

Vern is survived by his wife of 71+ years, Gwendolyn Beth (Hobbs) Jones, son Michael (Deanna) Jones, Daughters Margie Mourfield, Peggy (Bob) Swenson, and Raeann Jones.  Grandchildren with spouses and great-grandchildren include: Nichole (Ava) Mourfield, Ryan (Jana & Elise) Jones, Jessica (Josh, Jace & Jilliana) Orchekowski, Jacob (Willa) Swenson-Lengyel, Kelsey (Kevin, Rowyn, Ryleigh & Ruby) McBride, Nicholas (Angie) Ulrich Swenson, Luke Swenson, McKenzie (Lucas) Hernandez.

Special thanks to Vitas Hospice staff who gave incredibly kind and compassionate care to not only Vern but to our entire family during his final days.  Thanks also to the staff of Mercy San Juan Hospital for the care he received prior to coming home under Hospice Care.  Donations may be given in his name to Vitas Hospice or his Alma Mater, Grant Union High School, Sacramento, CA.

At this time no memorial is planned, but each time our family gathers we will remember all the happy times we shared together.  And you can bet we will think of him each and every time we enjoy waffles with strawberries and whipped cream on top.  He already is and will be missed forever.