Althea Jones

Althea Ostlund Jones of Novato, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 19, 2025, at the age of 106. She is survived by her devoted children, Nanci McGraw, Barbara Nicholson, Marilyn Lyon, and Brian Jones, as well as 14 grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

Althea was born in Stirling, Alberta, Canada, in 1918. As a young woman she earned a teaching certificate and first taught school for one year at the nearby Hutterite Colony. This was followed by teaching school for several years in the small town of Wrentham, Alberta. In 1939, she visited Utah where she met Hillery D. Jones. They married in 1942 in Texas, USA. Hillery, a member of the U.S. Army, saw active duty in both WWII and the Korean War, and Althea proved to be the perfect Army wife. She was always supportive and willing to adapt. She became a naturalized United States citizen in 1949. The military life ensured the family moved a lot. She lived in 24 homes in 30 years. As a military wife she lived by the saying, “Bloom where you are planted.” In her golden years it changed to “A laugh a day keeps the doctor away.”

In 1963, Hillery retired from the military and for the first time the family bought a house. They chose to do so in the town of Novato, California. Althea enjoyed being a mother and was a consummate homemaker. Her famous boysenberry pie was enjoyed on many occasions. In the 1970s she went back to college, earned an Associate Degree in Pre-school Education and then taught for 20 years at the San Anselmo Preschool. She loved the children, and they loved her!

Althea was an avid reader, genealogist, walker/hiker, and world traveler. Althea loved growing flowers and making scrapbooks of their sightseeing trips throughout Europe, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, China, Turkey, Africa, etc.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving many years as president of the women’s auxiliary, the Relief Society. She happily served in many other capacities, including the auxiliary for youth. Althea had the gift of making lifelong friends. She was a loving mother, dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ and a true patriot.

Friends are invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” service on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, 11:00 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 787 Kendon Lane, in Novato. Interment will be beside her beloved husband at the San Joaquin National Cemetery, Santa Nella, California.

How did she bid friends and loved ones goodbye? By saying “Althea later!”