Pat L. Jones

Patricia L. Jochems Jones, 85, passed away April 7, 2017 at her home.

Visitation with family will be Monday from 4 to 6pm at Pondera Funeral Home.  A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, April 18, at 11:00 AM at the Conrad First Presbyterian Church.

Pat was born April 6, 1932 to Gerald and Nellie (Vanderwood) Jochems.  She grew up on the family farm east of Conrad with her brother, Bob Jochems, and two sisters, Ruth Hanley and Marion Hancock.  Pat attended the Liberty School and Conrad High School.  She graduated from high school in 1950.  During her high school years she began working for the telephone company as a switch board operator and did so for nine years.

On July 19, 1953, she married Ray Jones at the Conrad Presbyterian Church.  Together they had three children, Phyllis Rauscher, Peggy Orona, and Gayle Jones.

While Pat’s children were younger she sold Avon for four years and in 1970 she began working for Farmer’s State Bank that changed to Marquette Bank and currently Stockman Bank until retiring in 2002 after 32 years.  While raising her three girls she was involved in their activities including teaching Sunday School and being a Girl Scout Leader for 15 years. Once Pat retired she served as a Deacon, an Elder, and on numerous committees.

Pat was known for her beautiful talent of sewing in which she showed with her clothing and quilts.  Pat’s sewing was more than just sewing.  Her sewing was art work.  Most of her projects were original creations and have settled in many parts of the US.  At the time of her most unexpected passing, mending had just been mailed to her great granddaughter. During her entire life, even the years she worked at the bank, she always dressed classy and most of her attire she had made herself.  She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, crafts, cake decorating, and reading.

Pat enjoyed traveling. She went to Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and many places throughout the United States. Pat also loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter, Phyllis Rauscher of Conrad, Gayle Jones of Manhattan, KS; grandchildren, Andrea Coffman and Brittany Rauscher of Billings, Chris and Matthew Orona of Manhattan, KS; great grandchildren, Chloe Coffman, Annalise Orona, and Carter Orona; sisters, Ruth Hanley of Riverside, CA and Marion Hancock of Las Vegas; numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Peggy Orona; brother, Bob Jochems; and parents, Gerald and Nellie Jochems.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, the Quilt Guild, or charity of your choice.