Phyllis Mae Jones

Phyllis Mae Jones, aged 83 years of Regina, SK passed away on Friday, April 6th, 2018.  She was predeceased by her father, Philip Waters (1963); mother, Janet Waters (2003); step-father, James Poulter (1981); only brother, Dennis (1960); brothers-in-law: Eldon Jones, Roy Cameron, and Mervin Jones; and sisters-in-law: Audrey Williamson, June Jones, and Elaine Jones.  Phyl is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ken; several cousins in Canada and Scotland; special nieces and nephews from Ken’s family; and very special Asian “grandchildren” from Phyl’s ESL classes.  She will be remembered dearly by her sisters-in-law, Gwen Jones and Phyllis Cameron; and brother-in-law, Lloyd Jones.  Phyllis was born on the farm near Keystown, SK in 1935 and when she was eight, her family moved to Pense, SK where she completed her Grade 12.  She went to Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw, SK in 1954, achieved her Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK in 1960, and later her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Regina in 1975.  Phyllis was a life-long learner and teacher: she taught Grades 1 and 2 in Wolesley, Regina, and Moose Jaw, and ended her 35 years of teaching as a Language Arts Consultant with the Moose Jaw Board of Education.  During that time and up until 2016, she attended classes at the Lifelong Learning Centre, University of Regina.  Phyl always had a book in her hand (and sometimes had three on the go) and spent much time at the library.  Phyllis volunteered tutoring non-English speaking students through the Regina Public Library from 1989 to 2016.  During that time she helped many students learn English, find jobs, start businesses, and become outstanding Canadian citizens.  Along the way, Phyllis received many awards for her efforts: 34 years in the Education system, Sask Senior Volunteer Award 2014, Council of Federation Literacy Award 2013, Sask Literary Award of Merit 2012, and 25 years Volunteer Regina Public Library (ESL) 2014.  Her greatest reward was the Asian friends she made and their children who called her “Grandma”.  Phyllis was very active in the United Church in Pense, Rosemont, Westminster, and Eastside in Regina, SK.  She taught Sunday School, was a CGIT leader at Zion United Church in Moose Jaw, a Pastoral Care Committee Chairperson, and visited care homes on a regular basis.  The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 12th, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Eastside United Church, 3018 Doan Drive, Regina, SK.  Reverend Russell Mitchell-Walker will officiate and interment will take place in Rosedale Cemetery at a later date.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Phyllis’ name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, Unit 26 – 1738 Quebec Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre St, Regina, SK S4P 2R3.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550