Stella M. Jones

Stella M. Jones was born March 9, 1882 in Bayard, Iowa. She grew up in Guthrie County between Bayard and Coon Rapids. Stella was the third daughter of Warren and Mary Francis (Goss) Hull. Stella’s father was a Civil War Veteran. While living in Guthrie County he owned a small farm, an insurance agency and real estate agency. As a long-time community leader, he became mayor of Bayard. Stella’s mother was a homemaker. Stella attended Bayard schools, graduating from high school in 1899. Following graduation, Stella lived with her parents and taught in one-room schools in the area. She continued her education by attending summer classes at Simpson College from 1902–1908, continuing to teach until 1915.

Stella met Evan William Jones when he joined her church choir. Evan had emigrated from Wales in 1914. Stella and Evan were married in December 1915 in Bayard. Their married life began in Bayard. To this union four children were born. Mary Josephine, Warren, Grace and Albert were born in Bayard. When the family moved to Ames, Evan worked for the Edwards Coal Company. Stella was a homemaker. During those difficult depression years, Stella was left to raise her family of four children as a single parent. Her commitment to her faith, her family and finding the best in every situation led her family through the hardships of that period. She felt fortunate to work for Iowa State College at Beardshear Hall until her retirement.

As the decades passed, Stella enjoyed her growing family. Regular picnics, family parties and celebrations were the norm. It was not unusual to gather forty or more for a simple picnic at Brookside Park. Everyone in her family circle respected and honored Stella as a gentle, loving and steady leader. To this day the family gathers for Stella Fest (our family reunion). Her great- great grandchildren are benefiting from the wonderful family network of love and respect she fostered and we enjoy to this day. Her family, friends and co-workers hold her in the highest regard.

Stella passed away March 10, 1981 in Ames, Iowa.