Mary Jean Pals Jones

Mary Jean Pals Jones, 95, formerly of Galesburg, passed away at 7:26 a.m. Sunday, July 16, 2017 in the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.

She was born October 26, 1921, in Clarksville, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Kathryn (Delong) Pals. She married Clark Jones of Berwick, Illinois on February 26, 1947, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He preceded her in death May 30, 1985.

She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Jones and LuAnn (and Carl) Johnson, both of Galesburg; two grandchildren, Eric Johnson and Alyssa Johnson, both of Galesburg; a great grandchild due in December; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Chester Pals; and two sisters, Leola Jacobs and Odis Riden.

Mary was raised and educated in Iowa, graduating from Allison High School in 1939. She attended Iowa State Teacher’s College, where she received a teaching certificate and taught for two years in rural Iowa schools. She then worked during World War II at Oliver Tractor Company. After her marriage, she moved to Illinois to farm with her husband. They retired in 1982.

Mary was a member of Berwick Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school. They moved to the Galesburg area in 1965 and she became a member of First Baptist Church. She worked at Wolfsie’s, J.C. Penney, and Farm King.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20, 2017 at the chapel with her nephew, Rev. Daryl Pals officiating. Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Baptist Women, the Milk Fund, or the Jack Larson Shoe Fund through the Galesburg Community Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.