Leona "Faye" Jones

Leona “Faye” Jones, age 84, of Winterset, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Faye was born on December 27, 1941, in Truro, Iowa, the daughter of Leon Merle and Doris Ellen (Harris) Fitzgerald. She was raised in Madison County and graduated from Winterset High School with the Class of 1961. She later married the love of her life, James “Jim” Jones, in Truro, Iowa, and together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and devotion to one another.

Faye dedicated 25 years of her working life as a dietary cook for several nursing homes in the Winterset area. She took great pride in her work and deeply enjoyed caring for the residents she served, forming lasting connections that meant a great deal to her.

Faye loved being part of a bowling league, was an avid reader and enjoyed embroidery. She also delighted in getting her nails done. Family was the heart of Faye's life and she rarely missed an opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s activities. Family trips to Branson, Missouri, and the Lake of the Ozarks created cherished memories, as did summer visits to Worlds of Fun. She proudly taught several of her grandchildren how to drive and was known for having “the best snacks in the world,” always insisting on feeding anyone who came through her door—even if they weren’t hungry. Remembered fondly for her spicy attitude—described lovingly as “dynamite comes in small packages”—Faye’s warmth, humor, and fierce love for her family will be deeply missed.

Faye is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Jones; her children, Gregory Jones and Melissa Berry; grandchildren, Timothy (Gillian) Alexiel, Jordan (Nick) Songer, Mariah Berry, Tyler Berry, Brielle (Matt) Berry, Haley (Colin) Jones, Payton (Blexley) Jones, and Heather (Oscar) Ibarra; great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Lucy, Sadie, Kaylee, Callie, Kinslee, Oliver, Tommy, Opal, Otis, Rylan, Joseph, and Scarlett; and great-great-grandchild, Braxton; Sister-in-laws Janet Thornburg and Sandy Baker. She is also survived by a close family friend, Drew Witt, as well as many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Doris Fitzgerald; her son, Douglas Jones; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Wade Jones; and her brother, Stanley.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Winterset Chapel. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Winterset Chapel. Burial will follow at Fremont Cemetery in Clarke County, Iowa.

Faye’s family will forever treasure her love, her laughter, and the countless ways she made everyone feel welcome and cared for.

Memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a future date.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com