Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Inis Irene Helms Jones passed away last Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 at the Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles. She was born in Mitchell, Ore., on May 20, 1931 and was eighty-five years of age at the time of her death. She lived in Sherman County since 1963, first in Wasco, later in Biggs Junction and most recently in Moro.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Vincent “Mike” Helms and Stella Nicholas Helms; her younger sister, Mary Jane Helms Smith (Paul), her youngest son Willam C. Jones Jr., and her three husbands; LeRoy D. Smith, Michael Kravitch, and William C. Jones, Sr.
Inis is survived by her brother, Merle Helms (Phyllis), Albany Ore.; two sons Michael J. Smith (Cindy) of Grand Marais, Minn., and Tony R. Jones (Ana Fe) of White Salmon, Wash. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Tyler Jones (Alexandra) Portland, Ore.; Erin Jones (Logan), Colorado Springs, Colo., and Alex Smith of Grand Marais, Minn.
Inis was born to an Oregon Pioneer family and would have qualified for the Daughters of the American Revolution, FFV (First Families or Virginia) and the Daughters of the Oregon Trail, but she never mentioned it as it would be “putting on airs” in her estimation. A sentiment typical of many of her generation.
Inis worked most of her adult life as a waitress and short order cook in Mitchell, Prineville, and Wasco, Ore. She was the bookkeeper for her husband, Bill Jones' service station and later garage and rock shop in Moro. She had close friends that she always enjoyed taking long drives with on nearly every road in Sherman, Gilliam, Wasco and Wheeler counties. While living in Sherman County for over fifty years, she considered Mitchell her home and favorite place.
The last eight years of her life she resided at the Senior Apartments in Moro, Ore., and had many close friends there. She was always appreciative of the help and support her friends and neighbors.
Inis will be buried in Wasco Sunrise Cemetery next to her son Billy Jones. Spencer, Libby and Powell in care of arrangements.
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