Lillian Christine Jones died peacefully, surrounded by her family, in La Crosse, WI on April 25, 2021, at the age of 88.
Lillian was born the youngest of six children in the Krans family on October 27, 1932, in Glidden WI. She graduated from Glidden High school in 1950 and entered North Central Bible Institute that fall in Minneapolis, MN. In June, 1953, she married R. Francis Jones, of Richland Center, WI. Lillian was faithful in ministry with Francis for 30 years as they pastored churches in Glidden, Waupaca, and La Crosse, WI. She was musically talented and shared her gift as a pianist in church worship services for many years. She was also a gifted cook and hostess. Over the years Lillian hosted hundreds of guests in her home with delicious meals and welcome rest in their guest room.
In childhood Lillian received a divine call to missionary work and in 1984, at age 51, she arrived in Kenya, East Africa, with Francis and son Jed, to fulfill her call to missions work in Africa. For fourteen years, Lillian served faithfully as the Registrar at East Africa School of Theology, in Nairobi, Kenya. She and Francis returned from the Mission Field to live in Waupaca, WI for 16 years, where they enjoyed their new home on Spencer Lake. In 2014, Lillian and Francis moved to La Crosse, WI where they spent their last six years together, they had been married for more than 67 years. Lillian is now reunited with Francis in their eternal home with the One whom they served in ministry together, their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Lillian was sacrificially devoted to her family. She is survived by her five children: Greg (Rose) Jones, Pam Mandeville, Mark (Anjali) Jones, Todd (Linda) Jones, and Jed Jones; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Hjalmar and Annie (Ahlstrom) Krans; husband, R. Francis Jones; son-in-law, Ted Mandeville; great-grandson, Dillion Jones; brothers: Milton (Lucille) Krans, Eldore (Melba) Krans, Ray (Jesse) Krans, Orill (Sarah) Krans; sister, LeNette Krans.
Lillian will be remembered for her personal faith in God, her sacrificial devotion to her family, and her diligent work ethic in life and ministry. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021 at River of Life Assembly of God Church, 1214 County Road PH, Onalaska. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Committal service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Spencer Lake Memorial Cemetery in Waupaca, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to River of Life Assembly of God Church. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com