Obituary of Barbara Jean Jones

Barbara Jean Jones 65, of Tunkhannock passed away unexpectedly on September 11th, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital due to complications from diabetes. She is survived by her husband of 44 years Richard Jones. Barbara was born on January 19, 1951 in Wilkes-Barre, PA the daughter of Dorothy Rampola, of Dallas, Pa and the late Edward Kozloski. Barbara attended Coughlin High School and graduated in 1968. Barbara was a devoted member of Nativity BVM in Tunkhannock, and was active as a selfless volunteer in many church programs and taught Sunday school for many years. She helped organize Gift and Food Basket drives at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, often choosing to anonymously donate many items and sponsor baskets for those in need. She was always giving of herself and expecting nothing in return. Her good deeds and generous ways touched many lives, and brought cheer at Holiday times. She also served as Treasurer and active volunteer member of the CEO Wyoming County Food Pantry for many years. Barbara generously donated too many local charities and animal welfare organizations. She will be deeply missed by her entire Dietrich Theater family of friends and co-workers. Her smiling face and good humor always greeting those who came up to the Dietrich Office. She generously donated her time and skills as the Dietrich Theater bookkeeper since the theater opened 15 years ago. She cheered everyone up with her singing and humming while working, with the sounds of country music or the oldies songs always on in the background emanating from her office. She had a genuine delight in sharing the newest silly joke, and made everyone laugh around the lunch table with stories from her high school years and escapades. At Christmas time, she officiated a traditional in-office lighting of a tiny wee wire LED Christmas Tree, and everyone had to pick an little toy animal out of a box to place around the tree. Barbara was also a beloved member of the Dietrich Theater Radio Players and made everyone laugh with her comic portrayals. She always looked forward to going to country music concerts with her son and daughter-in-law, and made sure she had tickets well in advance! Especially Travis Tritt concerts Barbara enjoyed travelling as much as possible with her mother when she could, and also in recent years enjoyed camping with her friend Esther on RV getaways. Barbara was a devoted mother, wife, daughter and friend. She is survived by her son Craig and wife Mandy Jones, Elkton, Maryland, Cousins Patsy Powell and Joan Ciechoski and her beloved dog Joey. She will be missed forever by her best friends, Mary C Reilly, Edwardsville, Esther Harmatz, Tunkhannock, and Shirley Fisher, Factoryville. Her husband wishes to thank the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Tyler Memorial Hospital and Wilkes Barre General Hospital ICU Emergency Unit. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 15th at 10:00 AM from the Church of Nativity B.V.M. 99 East Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA, Friends are asked to go directly to the church, interment will be held in Mt. Olivet Cemetery Carverton, PA. A gathering for friends and family will be held at the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, Inc. 73 West Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA on Wednesday September 14th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For directions and on line condolences please visit www.sheldonkukuchkafuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to True Friends Animal Welfare Center in Montrose, PA or to The Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock.