Teasdale Utah - Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin, LaWana Durfey Jones age 90, passed peacefully away on May 27, 2024 in Hyrm, Utah, just two weeks after her husband, Allen passed away.
LaWana was born August 5, 1933, in Bicknell, Utah to George Lawrence Durfey Jr. and Clea King Durfey at the home of her Grandma and Grandpa Durfey.
Her early childhood was spent in Notom, Utah on the Durfey family homestead. Her family then moved to Teasdale, Utah to the home of her grandma and grandpa King's to attain her educations at Teasdale Elementary.
Mom Graduated from Wayne High School class of 1951. She played girls basketball and softball and attended Seminary. Mom enjoyed playing and watching sports. She was a Jazz Basketball fan and was hilarious to watch a game with. She loved following and watching the little league baseball's World Series and Women's College Softball on TV.
Mom loved to dance with dad, they would go to Koosharem, Fish Lake or the Big Apple. They were great dancing partners as well as life partners. When dad asked mom to marry him, she said; Yes, on one condition, You take me to the temple,” He agreed.
Mom was sealed to Allen R. Jones from Torrey, Utah March 26, 1952, in the Manti Utah LDS, Temple bringing the Durfey and the Jones family together as one. They have spent the last 72 years together hand in hand.
Mom and dad moved to Salt Lake City shortly after they were married to pursue their future. Together they have 5 children: Jeneal (Don) Burrell, Ronney Allen Jones, Randy Steven Jones, Valgene D. Jones, and Jeannette (Neil) Hamilton, 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and
2 great-great-grandchildren.
Mom taught herself most of her homemaking and business skills after she was married. She became a wonderful cook and homemaker. Our home was the neighborhood place to gather. Mom was wonderful at canning, quilting, sewing, cross stitch, crafts, macrame, ceramics and crocheting Afghan’s and beautiful dolls.
She has always been right by dad's side as they raised their family, farmed, and dad pursued his schooling. They worked hard to build a successful business; 'Allen's Automotive Repair and Tire Services' in Granger, Utah.
Mom was always at the front desk to greet to welcome customers. When her 3 sons were out of school it became a family affair as they began working in their specialty trades. Mom tended grandchildren at the office, and they loved being there with her. Mom could always give herself whatever time she needed off for her family.
Mom loved Easter time on the farm and in the hills. It was an annual family tradition to spend Easter together, For her grandchildren it was better than Christmas. The grandkids would spend all summer looking for eggs they believed were still hidden, and they usually found one or two. Mom loved this time with her grandchildren, and they cherish their memories with her.
Mom was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a childlike faith. Mom served in many capacities, her favorite time serving was as Stake YW sports director, and with the Young Adults (who took her roller-skating for the first time ever, she fell and broke her wrist), she loved being in the Ward library (it was safer there) Mom also enjoyed her time in her RS Compassionate Service calling.
With her sight impaired in 2020 she took a stumble and fell down her back porch cement stairs, breaking both sides of her jaw bones. She struggled from that point on with her health, but she was determined not to give up her independent nature. In 2021 when they had to leave their home for a season it broke her heart. “There is no place like home”.
Mom is survived by her 5 children; 14 grandchildren (whom she adores and who love her to pieces); 30 great grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; Larry (Linda) Durfey and Russell (Beth) Durfey; 2 Sister-in-laws; Joyce, and Sherry Durfey; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; 1 great-grandson; Carson Lawrence Hamilton; 3 brothers: Clem, Karnell and Scott Durfey and 3 sisters: Renon Durfey, Lois Baker and Edra Gutke.
We as a family would like to thank our family members for all the help, care and devotion they have rendered to our dad and grandpa. To all the staff, special aids and nurses who helped care for Dad at Blacksmith Fork Assisted Living Center, White Pine Funeral Home and Springer Turner Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Saturday June 1, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. in the Torrey LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing Saturday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services.
Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com und Allen and LaWana’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.
Burial will be in the Bicknell Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
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