Celeste Jones

Celeste (Siler) Jones passed from this life and into the arms of the Lord on January 13, 2021 at the age of 99 years and 355 days from complications of Covid-19. Many, if not all, fondly knew her as “Honey” or “MyMy”. She enjoyed a beautiful existence as a faith filled daughter, sister, wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend.

She was born on January 23, 1921, to the late Ralph and Gertrude (Otte) Siler in Leipsic, Ohio and grew-up in Ottoville. Also preceding her are siblings Fern LaFranco, Virginia Altenburger, Mary Kay Zink, Phyllis Siler and Tom Siler.

She married the love of her life, John T. Jones, in 1948 who preceded her in death in 1983. To their union they were blessed with four daughters: JeanAnn (Jerry) Richardson, Phyllis Jones, Chris (Alvin) Turnwald, and Laura Jones. Also left to cherish her memory are seven grandchildren: Jon (Tricia) Richardson, Jessica (Lance) James, Jeff (Jill) Richardson, Jaclyn Turnwald, James (Amanda) Turnwald, Kay (Matt) St. Peter, and Sonja Thams; and eleven great-grandchildren: Brock Richardson and Kevin Rice, Tyler and Clare James, Anna and Mae Richardson, Jillian, Paige and Abigail Turnwald, Forrest and Quinn St. Peter. Forgive the length of this missive, it is difficult to condense a century of greatness!

Her accomplishments are numerous and some notables include: supporting the World War II effort by working at the Draft Board, raising a family, assisting her church, Girl Scout leadership, supporting Right to Life efforts, working on Mayor Berger’s campaigns, traveling internationally, getting pulled over for speeding in her seventies, and jet-skiing and kayaking in her eighties! With a self-deprecating demeanor she lead by example and inspired her family to be hard working, adventurous, kind, devoted, grateful and to serve quietly with humble compassion.

Celeste loved playing games like Scrabble and Farkle. She volunteered in the school library, loved reading biographies, and her favorite poet was Longfellow. MyMy’s toasts and limericks always brought a smile and she was not afraid to slip in surprise revelations to keep everyone on their toes!

Celeste was an impassioned member of the Catholic Faith and a devoted member of St. Gerard Church for 74 years. From the Altar/Rosary Society to ironing the linens for Mass, Honey was glad to pitch in to care for the church and help her community. She was proud to be part of St. Gerard, which was a driving force in her life. A true light to anyone that knew her, this Greatest Generation member loved God, her family, her country, and her countless friends. An absolute giant of a presence in a tiny package, Celeste Jones will be missed and celebrated in the hearts of all that were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Celeste “Honey” Jones Family Memorial and can be sent to:  St. Gerard Church, 1307 N. Main Street, Lima, OH 45801 or by creating an account under the Online Giving section (found under MENU) of their homepage: StGerardChurch.org.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima.  Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com .