Obituary of Valeria Jean Jones

Valeria Jean (Donahue) Jones, age 94. formerly of Robinson.  

Born August 21, 1929, to Cecelia Isabelle (Moyer) and William Roy Donahue. Entered into eternal life surrounded by her loving family on July 20, 2024.

Survived by Children Cecelia Sisitki; Kathleen (James) McClellan, Thaddeus, Theresa Werhel (Robert) Mihok; Daughters-In-Law Barbara Jones and Robin Brown; 13 Grandchildren; 27 Great-Grandchildren; 1 Great-Great Grandchild; Siblings Regis Donahue and Coletta Albright.

Grandchildren: Michael Sisitki (Brooke), Susann Colonna, Bethany Dohrman (John), Erin Boring (Michael), David McClellan (Billie Jo), Laura Kelly, Randy (Niki) and Alisha Brown, Jennifer Palmer (Ken), Jesse Jones (Brittany), Andria Zutich (Stephen), Patrick and Tyler Werhel.

Great Grandchildren: Carter and Charlotte Sisitki; Abigail and Anthony Colonna; Catherine and Austin Grove; Gianna, Maria, Clare, Emma, William and soon expected Francesca Dohrman; Seth, Wyatt, Madelyn, Ryan, Easton and Blake Boring; Cassidy, David and Jacob Keys; Abel Kelly; Aurora and Breeze Brown; Addie, Akiva and Rory Zutich.

Great-Great Granddaughter Sage Long.

Faithful parishioner of former St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bolivar, where in her youth was an Organist, and later a CCD teacher (religious education) to teens, Bible Study Participant, Choir Member, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, and later a parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church, Seward.

Valeria was a graduate of Bolivar High School, graduating in an all-female class because the boys went off to war. She always supported soldiers and various causes. She worked for a time at Bolivar Lanes. “Gram” enjoyed word search puzzles, cooking for everyone--she was known for her Sunday Gram burgers.  She was the head of the table--matriarch of her family.  She made rosaries and shared them worldwide. She was a Depression Era baby and lived without worldly treasures but stored hers in Heaven. Prayer was central to her life. Valeria most loved spending time with her family and friends and anyone who shared conversation around her kitchen table. Gram welcomed everyone to her home. Impromptu pop-up gatherings were frequent, and a crowd of 40 could appear at the drop of a hat.  She enjoyed Thursday 'party nights' eating Pizza Post pizza and partying with family, friends and neighbors.

Preceded in death by Husband William Lang Jones (1979); Sons Mark Bernard (2015), Adrian William (1987); Sons-In-Law Patrick Werhel (2009), Joseph Sisitki (2010), Nephew Geoffrey Brown (2019); Granddaughter Sharon Ann McClellan (1987); Siblings James and Harry Donahue, Mary Bernadine Miller, Roberta Botteicher.

Special thanks to Concordia Indiana VNA and caregivers Christina, Amanda and Brittany.

Friends received 2-8 pm Wednesday at Kenneth A. Stuart Funeral Home, 139 Ligonier St., New Florence.  Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Thursday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 342 W. Main St., Ligonier.  Father Anthony J. Carbone, JCL, officiating.  (please go directly to church.  Committal St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Florence.  Online condolences may be made at www.thestuartfuneralhomes.com

Her life was a pattern of simplicity and grace, and she leaves a legacy of peace and kindness. Please pass it on.