Arlene Grace Jones, lifetime resident of Libby, passed away with her family by her side on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at the age of 87. 

She was born Dec. 13, 1937, to John and Thelma (Simpson) Hustuft of Libby, Montana.

Following her high school graduation and the passing of her mother, she worked as a dental assistant until she met General Jones, whom had recently moved to Libby to work at J. Neils Lumber Company. They married in 1956 and soon after started their family with Arlene staying home for a period to raise her family.

Arlene eventually found herself driving the bus route including Granite Creek Road, where her own children were the most vocal backseat drivers, no doubt. Once her oldest children had graduated, she began working at the family business “Johnies Auto Parts” focusing on bookkeeping and administrative duties. 

Following the passing of her father, she carried on the family business before ultimately handing it off to her son for a combined service to community exceeding 85 years. Arlene also enjoyed the side gig and socializing that came with selling Avon and Jafra products, although it seemed most of her sales resulted in birthday gifts for her family. 

As she transitioned toward retirement from the business, she loved sitting in the office talking with her good friends/employees Eilene Morey and Sheila Gilbert in the mornings before going out together for lunch.

Anyone that knew Arlene understood she was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and her authentic bunad; she loved her family and the Libby community; and there was no chance you could listen to her stories without knowing the entire family tree of those involved by the time it was complete. 

She loved social settings with her family and friends where she could sit back, observe and enjoy a good laugh. This was often done while she was crocheting hats and blankets for her grandkids, making them a sandwich for lunch, or telling them calmly - “I wouldn’t do that….” right before she would step in to correct what was about to be done wrong. 

It’s because of her methodical approach and disinterest in sitting idly by as a loved one would complete a task incorrectly that it will take the entire family to piece together how to make her coveted freezer jam.

Arlene spent her golden years playing cards and having lunch with her friends, reading books, spending time with her grandkids and taking the occasional vacation. She had a soft spot for kids and that’s where her generosity and loving nature became very apparent. She always attended her grandkid’s sporting events, never forgot to send a birthday card (sometimes two!), and was always supportive when the unforeseen made life difficult. vi kommer til å savne deg – We will miss you.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Survivors include her children: Debbie Short (Darren); Curt Jones (Billie Jo); Doreen Gullingsrud (Rick); Christine Miller (Jerry); grandchildren Niki Wilkins, Cassie Grinder, Ryan Jones, Travis Jones, Chad Gullingsrud, Nicholas Miller and great-grandchildren Kaylee Wilkins, Blace Grinder, Gracie Jones, Hayden Gullingsrud, Ella Gullingsrud, Lennox Gullingsrud, Nolan Jones and Audrey Jones; and great-great-grandchildren Lauryn Wilkins and Everett Grinder.

A viewing was held Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby, Montana. Services were held Thursday, Jan. 9, at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby, Montana. 

In lieu of flowers please donate in Arlene’s memory to Kootenai Pets for Life or the Libby Food Pantry. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. On line condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.