Obituary

Leeila (Lee) Louise Jones, 78, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2012.

She was born in Colorado, October 24, 1934 to Alda and Farrell Bennett. Some of her high school years were in Wrangell; however, she graduated from Petersburg High School in 1952.       

Lee married Trygve Thorsen on June 20, 1954 in Petersburg. On October 12, 1991 she married Tom Jones.               

Lee possessed a strong work ethic and had a long and varied career which included many years working at the original Parr’s Bakery in Petersburg. She couldn’t stay idle for long and was employed by Ben Franklin in Sitka in the fabric department.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing. As a young mother she made many of her own clothes and her daughters always had handmade dresses for everyday or special occasions, from Easter to prom.

While in Sitka she became known for her Sackeye Salmon, made of various fabric designs and textures. Shaped as salmon, they were used to store plastic grocery bags for reuse. Some of her grandchildren used them to store socks.

Lee had a wonderful sense of humor and was always willing to lend a helping hand or just listen when friends or family needed to talk. She was immensely proud of her children and the lives they lived.  

She was preceded in death by her mother Alda Bennett McEwen, father Farrell Bennett, and sister Lolita (Rusty) Sheldon.

She is survived by; the father of her children Trygve Thorsen and husband Tom Jones; children, Linnea Ziemke, Wendy Thorsen- Ritter, Melissa Thorsen- Broschat, and Derek Thorsen; grandchildren Jennifer Hansen, Bob Olsen Jr., Heather Olsen, Rhea Espeseth, Jenna Durst, Alexandra Broschat, Andrew Broschat, Kayley Thorsen, Justin Thorsen and Trina Swain; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; sister, Lanore (Bill) Rodenberg and brother Lyle (Carol) Bennett.

A celebration of life was held November 21, 2012 at Mountain View Manor.