Bernice Jones

Obituary of Bernice Christena Jones

Bernice Christena Roy Jones, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Vale, Oregon on the morning of Monday, April 11th, 2022 at 99 years of age.

Bernice was born on November 8th, 1922 in Pingree, Idaho to Walter Clark Roy and Christena Kaus. She was the youngest child of six and was raised on her parent’s farm in Idaho. In 1937 Bernice moved with her parents and two brothers to Nyssa and eventually moved to a farm outside of Vale. She graduated from Vale High School in 1940. After completing a secretarial correspondence course, she was hired as an office assistant at the Blackfoot Courthouse. Bernice attended an “open-air” dance in Blackfoot where she met her future husband, Troy Jones. While in Idaho, they had their three children, Lee Roy, Connie, and Patsy Lyn.

The family moved to a farm near the West Bench in 1954. While on the farm, Bernice was active in the West Bench Farmerette Club, taught 4-H, was an accomplished seamstress, and was busy raising three children while working hard on their farm. The family moved into town, where they started Troy Jones Air Conditioning and Heating business where Bernice did the bookkeeping. Bernice also drove school bus for Vale public schools for twenty years. Bernice and Troy loved camping and fishing trips, especially at Owyhee Reservoir. She was a thoughtful caretaker of her mother, who passed away at the age of 106 at Pioneer Nursing Home. Troy passed away at their home in 1994.

After retirement, Bernice enjoyed oil painting and often gave her paintings to family and friends. She was a competitive card player and Hand-And-Foot became a family tradition. Bernice married Ben Justus in 1997 and they honeymooned in Disneyland. They were very active in the Vale and Ontario Senior Centers and loved to dance.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Troy, children Lee Roy Jones and Connie Evins, siblings Sis Turpin, Agnes Inskeep, Gert Hall, Herb Roy, Elverd Roy, and second husband Ben Justus.  

Bernice is survived by her daughter Patsy Lyn Salazar (Bob). Grandson Christopher Troy Ray (Carrie), great granddaughters Sierra (Jarred) and Malina (Jarred). Granddaughter Trina Lyn Salazar (Matt).

Granddaughter Denice Wood (David). Great granddaughter Kendra Varner (Nick), great-great grandsons Andrew, Luke, and Korbin. Great granddaughter Billi Clark (Casey), great-great granddaughters Aria & Kaylee. Great granddaughter Shelby Wood (fiancé Dustin).

Granddaughter Lisa Barras (Ron). Great granddaughter Sara Barras. Great granddaughter Heather Butler (Brantley), great-great grandchildren Braxton and Harlee. Great grandson Kyle Barras (Hannah), great-great grandchildren Keely and Noah.

Grandson Craig Evins, great grandson Skyelar and Jerry Dentinger.

Granddaughter Kandi Jones, great grandson Travis and great-great granddaughter Rylee. Grandson Alan Jones, great grandson Joshua. Bernice had many other nieces, nephews, and family members close to her heart. Her family brought her great joy and meant the world to her.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Vale Lienkaemper Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes you to make donations to the American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html 1-800-227-2345

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A Memorial Tree was planted for Bernice
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Lienkaemper Funeral Chapels - Vale