Lorraine L. Jones, 93

Lorraine passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 14, 2017, after graciously battling dementia for the last 10 years.

She was born Feb. 22, 1924, to Roy and Minnie Masuda in Rochester, Minnesota.

While still a child, the family moved to St. Paul where her father continued in the restaurant business. As a young woman she traveled to Whitefish to visit her brother, George, who was the priest of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church. It was here she met and fell in love with Newell Elliott. Newell and Lorraine were married on Feb. 12, 1947. They lived happily for the next few years being blessed with the addition of children, Robert, Georgia and Betty. Sadly, tragedy struck when Newell was killed in an accident on the job with the Great Northern Railroad. Lorraine married Kenneth Jones in September of 1952. Sandie was added to the family in 1954.

Lorraine was a busy homemaker and jack-of-all-trades. It wouldn’t be surprising to find her changing the oil or the brake pads on the car. She was an active member of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church and American Legion Auxiliary. She also enjoyed memorable years as a Girl Scout leader. She was always on guard with her coffee can of rocks and a spoon to keep the bears away.

Lorraine’s favorite activity was working in her yard where she spent many happy hours up through her 80s. She also had a love for animals that stayed with her throughout her life.

After Ken’s retirement, they headed to Palm Springs for warm winters with family and friends. After a few years they changed direction to Tucson, Arizona, where many winters were spent helping with and enjoying the Pearse grandchildren. In the summers they enjoyed their kids and families coming to visit in Whitefish. They were married until Ken passed away on May 4, 1993.

Lorraine’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She remarked how lucky she was to be able to spend so much time with as well as be entertained by them.

She was one of a kind, a rock for her family and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her brother, Robert (Delores) Masuda, of Minnesota; three daughters, Georgia (John) of Billings, Betty of Spokane, and Sandie (Fred) of Tucson; also five grandchildren, Tiffani Cochran Lawrence (Neil), Dr. Chad (Suzie) Cochran, Amber Pearse Hiddema (Joel), Corey Pearse, and Mackenzie Pearse; and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two grandcats.

A private family memorial service is planned.