Ellen Christine Jones

Ellen, known by loved ones as Chris, was born on November 3, 1934 to Fred and Ruth Stephens in Jackson County, Arkansas. Chris attended Newport High School where she met Freeman Jones. The two soon became high school sweethearts and were married on January 29, 1952. Freeman was deployed to South Korea as part of the Korean War effort and he and Chris exchanged letters expressing their continued love and commitment to each other. Eventually, Chris moved to Southern California where Freeman joined her after his service ended.

Together, they began a new chapter in La Puente, California and had two children, Joel and Ellen. During this season, at the age of 27, Chris made a decision to put her faith in Christ, led to the Lord by Pastor Brother Whileman. Chris often said this was the most important decision she ever made, and spent the remainder of her life seeking to serve the Lord and those around her. Chris loved hosting social gatherings, volunteering in ministries at her local church, creating a beautiful home for her family to enjoy, and spending intentional time with her family and friends.

In 1992, Chris and Freeman retired and moved to Harrison, Arkansas where they enjoyed leading in their local church, touring the beauty of the Ozarks, long summer visits from family, and creating charming wooden crafts – from benches, figures, and flowers to birdhouses – for family and friends.

Chris is survived by her husband Freeman Jones; son Joel Jones of Leander, Texas; daughter Ellen Hayes of Sanger, CA; grandchildren Jennifer Wilson, Joshua Jones, Adam Jones, Christina Stryffeler, Katherine Swaleh, and Carrie Hernandez; and great grandchildren Audrey Swaleh, Ezekiel Swaleh, Oliver Hernandez, Phillip Hernandez, and Nathan Stryffeler. Two sisters, Freddy Tillman and June Stephens and one brother, Kelley Stephens, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Services will be held at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Whittier, CA on Friday, September 1, 2023, Viewing 9:00-10:00 A.M. Graveside Service at 11:00 AM.