Devona Ida Jones

Devona Ida Jones

Devona I. Jones died at the age of 77, at her John Day home. Services will be private.

Devona Jones was born Dec. 20, 1938, in Superior, Wisc. to Edward Dahlberg and Theresa Sajec.

Devona worked in the health care industry for 65 years. Her last place of employment was Specific Specialties, where she retired. She enjoyed working there the most.

She was also very adamant about teaching her children the importance of scruples, values, respect and integrity. Devona, who reared her children, said “you rear children, you raise cattle.” She made sure each of her children knew Jesus Christ, and that each child was christened. This was most important to her. She had four sons to look after her two daughters. Unfortunately two of her sons have passed: Robert Baty, at age 19 and Ludwig A. Bly, at age 33. Devona is now with her two Sons. Amen. The love of her life, Carl McLaughlin, who she missed whole heartedly, passed a year ago Christmas. They were going on 30 years together. Carl and Devona were inseparable. I pray Carl met Devona at Heaven’s gate.

Devona had many hobbies including picking fresh fruits and flowers, making dolls and swans, swimming laps, playing her guitar with her friends at weekend picnics, writing songs, watching Family Feud and The Golden Girls. She was very fond of comedy TV. 

Devona, who her family and friends called Dede, was a humble woman. She always put others before herself and treated people with respect. She gave great advice and always told us to use our common sense. Her words were “stay focused,” “talk to your maker,” and “when in doubt, move a pawn.” She was never one to judge others. She told her children it wasn’t their place and we have but only one judge, his name is Holy.

Devona is survived by her sons, Carl E. Baty, Portland, and Michael Bly, Mt Vernon; daughters, Devona M. Bly, Bickelton, Wash., and Vickie L. Bly and special friend, Michael Goodwin, Mt. Vernon; brother, Ludwig J Dahlberg, John Day; grandchildren Brandon C. Dedmore, Devona F. Kandoll, Nakai L Kibby, Star M. Kibby and Amber D. York; two nieces, Tina and Brenda Jones.

Dede had so many great friends. Her true friends always said Dede was one in a million, a can do type of lady, a loving mother and grandmother. She made sure we knew to call on the Lord and to keep focused. She always said this to her children and her true friends- you know who you are.

(Paid obituary)