Laura Jones

Laura Ann Hudson was born in Brazil, Indiana in 1934, to Cecelia Adele (Sterner), wife of John Hudson, a grocer. When she was three years old, in the aftermath of the Great Depression, her parents, two older sisters and brother (Margaret, Betty, and Bob) packed up and drove south to Florida, where she spent the rest of her youth.

In 1956, Mom met her “Luvy” - Jimmy Jones, a pilot in the US Navy - and they began their adventurous married life together the next year.

In the course of that life, they brought 8 children into the world - seven daughters followed by a son  - and together, they eventually saw the ranks of their family swell to 131, including children, grandchildren, great grand children, and a great great grandchild. They saw their children’s children to the fourth generation, as their nuptial blessing promised. Her family was Mom’s greatest source of material happiness and pride in this life.

There were two driving forces in Mom’s life - her Faith and her Family.

She was a devoted Catholic. As they moved around the country - 29 household moves - they actively sought Catholic schools for their children. In California, when one couldn’t be had, they co-founded a private school (Holy Innocents), which thrived for many years. The ties they formed there were strong and Mom always remembered fondly - and frequently spoke of - her good friends from that era of their life.

Eventually, in the 1980’s, they sent their youngest children to St. Mary’s Academy & College. They finally moved here to retire in 1995.

Mom loved Kansas and St. Marys like no place she ever lived (and she lived in some pretty fabulous places!). Every time she left her house, she commented on the beauty of Kansas. The trees, the sky, the sunsets, the green hills or the fallow fields - every natural aspect of the Kansas she saw was delightful to her. And when she spoke to anyone who didn’t live in St. Marys, she tried to convince them why they should. Rarely a day went by that she didn’t say, “There’s no place like St. Marys.”

To all, Mom was known as a fun, hospitable woman who loved to laugh. She entertained frequently at her Round Table in her little kitchen, where anyone could always find a little rest and respite.

To her family, she was Luvy, mom, grandma, great grandma - always available for a conversation, advice, encouragement, and, if necessary, a little “setting straight.” She was the greatest fan of each of her grandkids. She always saw the good in each of them and doted on them, whether they lived close by or far away.

As a very determined lady, Mom was certain of many things. She was a woman who didn’t compromise her beliefs.

She had two favorite sayings: “Everything happens for the best,” and “This, too, shall pass.” They summarize her simple faith and her perpetual optimism.  She firmly believed that God was always in control, the He will work good out of any situation no matter how bad, and that even the worst things would eventually pass.

And, as always, she was right!

This point was proven Friday, August 28, 2020, when she passed into eternity. After suffering severely for six weeks, she died calmly and at peace with family at her side, a priest present to bless her on her way, and a Rosary in her hand. What could be better?

There really is no place like St. Marys!

Mom is survived by her husband of 63 years, Jim Jones, Sr., and her eight children: Sr. Mary Germaine MICM, Laurie (and Gary Benoit), Margie (and Rich Simonton), Susie (and Tom Sweeney), Sarah (and Jeff DeBree), Cecelia (and Joe Bryan), Teresa, and Jim, Jr. (and Tina Disipio); 51 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild, all of whom she loved dearly.

Her funeral schedule is as follows:

Thursday, September 3

2:00 - 4:00 pm: visitation at Piper’s Funeral Home, St. Marys, KS
6:00 pm: reception of body at Assumption Chapel followed by the Rosary

Friday, September 4

10:30 am: Sung Requiem Mass, Assumption Chapel, St. Marys, KS followed by burial at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery
A pot luck open house follows at the home of Joe and Cecelia Bryan, 310 W Palmer Street, St. Marys. All are welcome.

In Lieu of Flowers

Mom’s great hope in the past few years was to see the Immaculata (the church presently being built in St. Marys) come to be. The last drive she took was to see the progress at the building site.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to send donations to:

Immaculata Church Project

PO Box 159, St. Marys, KS  66536

Please indicate "Laura Ann Jones Memorial" in the memo or by note.