Eleanor Gertrude Jones

Eleanor Gertrude Jones (nee Ehlers), 84, of Sheffield Township, died on Thursday, December 28, 2006 at Grace Hospital, Amherst, following a lengthy illness.


She was born in Lorain, Ohio on August 7, 1922 and moved with her family to Elyria, Ohio in 1924. She moved to Sheffield Township in 1948, when she married her beloved husband, Calvin Emerson Jones.


As a young girl she was active in the 4-H club, and in the 7th and 8th grades she also read to the legally blind as an employee of the board of education, for 20 cents an hour. She graduated from Markley Elementary School in 1937, Jefferson Jr. High School later, and Elyria High School in 1941. While in high school, she lettered in volleyball, as her team won a regional championship.


Mrs. Jones worked at Perry Fay (now Parker-Hannafin) during WW II, for six years, where she inspected ammunition to be shipped to US Soldiers overseas. Over the years, she also worked at Mascon Toy Co. Penney's Department Store (when it first opened at Midway Mall in 1966), Sears, Sally Ann's Bakery, and lastly at Clarkins Department Store in Lorain until she retired in 1981. Later on in life she did volunteer work for Family Services as a friendly visitor visiting shut-ins, and for 14 years as a volunteer at the American Cancer Society, until she became ill in 2001. She was also a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.


Mrs. Jones was a Charter Member of St. Vincent de Paul Church back when services were at Vincent School, and a life member of the Altar & Rosary Society, as well as a member of the Prayer Line. She founded the Brownie Troop (#408) at St. Vincent de Paul, and helped the nuns with many student projects.


Mrs. Jones was also very active doing door-to-door soliciting for many charitable organizations during their fund-raising drives. She also worked on membership drives for the Altar & Rosary Society. She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (Unit Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20). In addition, she was also a member of the National Association of Retired and Veterans Railway Employees Unit #144.


Mrs. Jones enjoyed exercising and belonged to Scandinavian Spa (now Bally's) in Elyria until it closed. She also enjoyed flower gardening and beautifying her yard. She also enjoyed reading, embroidery, puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren. She especially always looked forward to playing cards with her grandchildren.


Eleanor was kind and generous of heart as well as a loving mother of three daughters Sharlene DeSharm of Huron, Ohio, Shirley Merrill of Taylorsville, NC and Laura Jones, of Sheffield Township, Ohio. She was also the proud grandmother of thirteen grandchildren including, Arthur Horinek, of Marion, OH and Angela Horinek of Miami, Florida, Nathan, Jessica, Onna, Wells, Cooper, Naomi, Josiah, Esther,Miriam, Rebekah and Isaac Merrill of Taylorsville, NC. She is also survived by her brothers Elmer Ehlers (her twin) and Louis Ehlers, both of Elyria, Ohio and nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.


She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Calvin, in 1998, parents: Louis F. Ehlers in 1958 and LuLu Ehlers (nee Conrad) in 1928, and stepmother Ethel Mary Ehlers (nee Miller) in 1955, sister June Ehlers in 1937, step-sister: Elsie Schefres in 1976, brothers: Fred Ehlers in 2002, Ronald Ehlers in 2002 and Joe Ehlers in 1924, step brothers, Virgil Grant and Leslie Grant.


Mrs. Jones will be remembered for her dedication to family and friends. She was always ready to help others. Her enthusiasm for family unity was paramount in her life. Her kindness, gentle ways and selfessness guided her family. Her family and friends feel blessed to have had this special person in their lives. She was an inspirational role model throughout her long courageous battle with her illness.


The family will receive friends on Monday, January 1, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, where a Parish Rosary will be conducted at 3:30 p.m.