Retha Fern (Wheeler) Jones

Retha Fern (Wheeler) Jones, of Lockwood, MO, departed this life on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, in the Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility at the age of 94.

She was born on September 5, 1924 in Elkland, MO to Lee and Mary Mae (Minor) Wheeler. Retha graduated from Elkland High School. She was united in marriage to John Lewis Jones on September 5, 1942 in Elkland, MO.

Retha had worked at the Lockwood Hospital. She also had worked as a secretary for the Lockwood High School and the Lockwood United Methodist Church. Retha wrote the Lockwood News for the Lockwood Luminary and the Vedette.

She volunteered playing the piano at the Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility. Retha was a member of the Lockwood United Methodist Church and was the organist for many years. She was a member of the Lockwood Business Professional Women, the United Methodist Women, Lion’s Club, Missouri Retired Teachers Association, and the Lockwood American Legion Auxiliary.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Lee and Mary Mae Wheeler; her husband, John Jones; her daughter, Nancy Lee Evermon; and three brothers, Hubert Wheeler, Herman Wheeler, Fred Wheeler.

Survivors include her son, J.L. Jones and wife Pixy of Quincy, IL; her son-in-law, Paul Evermon II of Anchorage, AK; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.


Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, 2019, in the Lockwood United Methodist Church. The family received friends on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. until service time in the church. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 4, 2019, at Pleasant View Cemetery in Elkland, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lockwood United Methodist Church or the Lockwood United Methodist Church The Crossing. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services were under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.