Verna Jones of Hawley, PA died Friday, March 16, 2018 at Allied Services Skilled Nursing Care in Scranton. She was 70.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Jones.

Verna was an integral member of her community, bringing joy to all those she encountered with her kindness, selflessness, devotion and involvement.

While working as an officer for the Pike/Wayne Association of Realtors, she freely gave her time and energy to our local schools, including serving on the Wallenpaupack School Board. For many years she was PTA president and went on to serve as president of the Pennsylvania PTA Council.  She also worked as the office secretary for Dr. Donald O. Broughton, her neighbor, in Hawley.

Her strength was in her ability to give freely to others. No matter how hard the situation was, she never complained. Her leadership style was all-inclusive and inspiring as she held fund raisers, planned events and programs. She will be forever in our hearts.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Gustav and Ruth (Olsen) Oelkers.  Her parents owned and operated Oelker’s General Store in Barryville, NY for many years.

She is survived by her sons, Thomas and Brian; her granddaughter, Olivia, and her sister Norma Notzhold. Donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org. A memorial is being planned for the spring.