Viola M. Jones

Viola Mae (Smith) Jones, age 96, beloved mother,
grandmother, great-grandmother, and mother-in-law, passed away
peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded
by her loving family. As she came to rest, angels welcomed her into heaven.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at
Benson Funeral Home in St. Cloud, Minnesota. A visitation and memorial
service will also be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Our Redeemer’s
Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota, with visitation beginning at 10:00
a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Benson City Cemetery.

Viola Mae Smith was born on August 8, 1929, in Benson, Minnesota, the first
of four children born to Edna (Mae) Heschke and Leland Smith. She
graduated from Benson High School in 1947.

Vi met Edward Jones in St. Paul, Minnesota. They married and moved to
Utah, where she gave birth to three sons: Rick, Tim, and Bryan. She later
returned to Minnesota, settling in Pipestone, where she earned her State of
Minnesota counseling certification. Vi accepted a counseling position at the
Sauk Centre Correctional Facility, where she worked for 20 years before
retiring in 1990.

Vi was a joyful person, full of vim and vigor, with a passion for embracing
each new day. Her warm and affectionate personality made it easy for her to
connect with others. After becoming an “empty nester,” she moved to St.
Cloud to be closer to her grandchildren. At the young age of 81, she
purchased her first home—a townhome near the YMCA—where she quickly
discovered swimming and became a regular participant in water aerobics, a
habit that contributed to her long and healthy life.

Over the years, Vi enjoyed old-time dancing, reading, playing cards, garage
sale adventures with her grandchildren, baking, watching westerns, winter
trips to Florida, her love of Avon products, and, in recent years, audiobooks.
Most of all, she treasured time spent with family and friends—especially her
grandchildren. Vi was known for her generous spirit and her many hugs and
kisses.

In her final three years, kidney failure required Vi to undergo dialysis. True to
her nature, she faced this challenge with courage, grace, and determination.
In the end, complications from pneumonia led to her passing.

Vi is survived by her children: Rick (Carol) Jones of Long Prairie and Tim
(Judi) Jones of St. Cloud; grandchildren Kristy (Rick) Barhorst, Katie (Nick,
deceased) Huesman, Cody (Beth) Jones, Courtney Jones, and Ashley Jones;
great-grandchildren Hallie, Derrick, Waylon, and Julia; and many nieces and
nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers LeRoy “Sonny” Smith
and Larry Smith; sister Dorothy “Dottie” Smith; her son Bryan Jones; and
many beloved aunts, uncles, and extended family members.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff at Fresenius Kidney
Care, Home Instead for their compassionate senior care, and the St. Cloud
Hospital nursing staff for their exceptional end-of-life care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Kidney Foundation
or by planting a tree in Vi’s memory.