Neola Olson Jones

Neola Olson Jones was born in Fairview, Utah on June 20, 1923. She passed away peacefully February 2, 2025 in her home in Gilbert, Arizona, surrounded by her loving family. Neola was the fourth of seven children born to George Franklin Olson and Neola Ellertson Olson. 

Neola attended Brigham Young High School in Provo, Utah. She married Hal Clark Jones July 19, 1943 whom she met while attending Brigham Young University.  

It was World War II and Hal enlisted in the military. Neola moved to Douglaston, New York to live with Hal’s family when he was shipped to the Pacific. While living in New York she worked various jobs including running the elevator in the Empire State building. She was later able to return to Brigham Young University where she graduated with honors with a degree in education. 

In 1951 Neola, Hal and their first child, Christina left New York and moved across the country to settle in Chandler, Arizona. This is where they raised their five children. Neola was very active in the Chandler community and church activities. The family attended the Chandler Second Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where Neola led the choir among many other callings. She also founded and organized the Chandler Young Girls Chorus that raised funds for local schools and charities. 

Neola taught school for many years at Higley Elementary. She enjoyed teaching young minds and was known for her creative school musical programs. She also served as Vice Principal while at Higley Elementary. 

She is survived by one brother, Heber Olson of Tempe, and her children – Christina Anderson, Thatcher, Nancy Grampp (Carter), Clark (Tamara), and John Paul (Kathy). She has 34 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren.  

The Funeral Service will be held at the Val Vista Lakes – Crystal Shore ward building, 1005 N. Voyager Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85234 at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 10, 2025. A Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 10:45 A.M. at the same location. Interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201.