Dena Jones

Wilodyne “Dena” Jones departed this life on May 9, 2018 to be with her Lord and Savior. Services: Visitation will be held at 2 - 4 pm, Sunday on May 20, 2018 at Wade Funeral Home, 4140 West Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, Texas. Interment with graveside service will be at 11 AM, Monday on May 21, 2018 at Cedarlawn Memorial Park, 5805 Texoma Pkwy, Sherman, Texas. A devout Christian she celebrated her life for 92 years. Dena was born October 6, 1925 in Darnell, Louisiana. She was the 8th of nine children born to Joseph Adolphus Ragus and Willie Myrtle Barnes. Growing up in a rural Louisiana farming community, she spoke about her daily chores of milking the cows before school, ironing her mothers' dresses, chopping cotton and “switching” the mules as they turned the grinder to make sorghum syrup. Dena graduated from Pioneer High School in 1942 where she played all of the positions on the girl's basketball team. Her interest in basketball would remain with her for the remainder of her life. Her high school sweetheart, Henry A. Jones had joined the Army Air Corp in 1943 and they married that year. Dena and Henry had four children, Richard, Larry and twins, Mark and Marilyn. In 1952, the family moved to Denison, Texas when Henry was reassigned to Perrin Air Field. In 1957, Henry was reassigned to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Always the consummate housewife and mother, Dena and the children remained in Denison to continue the children's education. Dena worked as the manager of the Gold Bond Stamp Store and in 1967 she completed accounting courses at the Denison Commercial College and worked as a bookkeeper for Baldwin Plumbing and Electrical in Denison. Dena later retired as the Asst. Innkeeper for the Holiday Inn. Henry retired from the military in 1970. They enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas where Dena excelled at playing video poker. Dena was a faithful member of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church and made a lifetime of friends and memories. Dena is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband Henry and two sons, Richard and Mark. In 2013, Dena moved to Arlington, Texas to be nearer to her children and give them the ability to watch over her care. The family would like to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to the staff of Town Hall Estates-Arlington for all the comfort, kindness and many acts of generosity given to Dena. Knowing our mother was in good hands brought a sense of peace to the family. Survivors: Include children, Larry and wife, Judy, Marilyn and husband, Steve; grandchildren, Christopher, Colin, Meredith, Jennifer, Barry, Katy and Matt; 15 great-grand children, and one great-great grandchild. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233