Jeri Ornelas-Jones

Jeri (Handshy) Ornelas-Jones, 56, of Iola, Kansas, passed away from her earthly home on this day of May 10, 2013, surrounded by her family and friends. Jeri was born December 27, 1956, in Parsons, Kansas to Joy Mae Handshy and Farris Thomas. She graduated from Pittsburg High School and Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor's degree in social work. She worked for the State of Kansas Department of SRS for 33 years until her retirement in July 2012. She was a member of the Church Of Christ and an animal rights advocate. She also was a diehard KU (Rock Chalk) fan and a KC Chiefs fan. Jeri loved life and she loved to help people. She was always trying to see how she could make the people around her enjoy life and see the blessings that God has bestowed upon us all. Jeri always had a kind word and a gentle pat on the back to encourage someone. She always saw the glass half full, and always tried to see the good in everyone. She was a very trusting person who loved life and she will be missed by all who knew her. As Jeri would say, peace to everyone and love one another. God bless you all. She was previously married to Donnie Joe Ornelas. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Richard (Bud) Jones, married Feb. 10, 2001, her parents, Joy and Frank Rudnik of Pittsburg, KS, her brothers, Jimmy Handshy of Arma, KS and Randy (Pam) Handshy of Aurora, MO, daughters, Melissa (Kenny) McCann of Liberty, MO and Kristen (David) Jones of Lawrence, KS, granddaughters, Lynsey & McKayla McCann and Milah Elmer, and a host of nieces and nephews which she will be missed by. Jeri was preceded in death by her only son, Dustin Joe Ornelas and an infant brother, Steven Lee Handshy. VISITATION: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas MEMORIAL CHOICES: Happy Tails Dog Park or Iola Church of Christ Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .