Glorifying God Through Giving

Everett and Patty Jones

Catholic community life was important to Patricia "Patty" Lucille Jones, of Boise. To serve in and give to the Church, brought her joy and fulfillment. She made sure that the communities closest to her heart, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and Bishop Kelly High School, would not be neglected after her death.

"Mom was a feisty, Irish lass—lovely, lively and quick. She was a dedicated wife and mother and consummate manager of Dad's medical practice," said Kathleen Wetstein, oldest daughter of Everett and Patty Jones, at her mother's funeral.

Patty was born into a devout Irish Catholic family in 1935, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She married Dr. Everett N. Jones, Jr., in Denver in 1957. The couple moved to his hometown of Boise in 1963.

They were known for their dedicated love for one another and had five daughters. The family was faithful in their participation in parish life, and the daughters attended Sacred Heart School and then Bishop Kelly High School.

Patty had a devotion to St. Padre Pio and to the rosary. Her grandchildren remember her as a source of stability and comfort. A trustworthy confidant always ready to help, she made family and friends feel well-loved.

The care that she and her husband shared for their marriage and family life overflowed to the Church. An avid supporter of Catholic education, in addition to gifts of time, treasure and talent, Patty also served on the Foundation Board for Bishop Kelly High School. All five of their daughters were college graduates.

Her husband's surgery skills were in demand in Boise hospitals and in surrounding areas, and she managed his office for him. She also found time for her hobby of collecting dolls and sewing vintage clothing. Her dolls have been displayed in several museums.

After 56 years of marriage, her husband died in 2013. A few years before her death on May 12, 2020, she struggled with primary progressive aphasia, a form of dementia. She died from complications of the disease.

In the legacy of her generosity while living, Patty made bequests to Sacred Heart Church and School and Bishop Kelly High School.

"It was important to Mom that we look good but it was more important that we be good," said her daughter Kathleen. Her parents often quoted the 10 Commandments, the Golden Rule and Luke 12:48, "To whom much is given, much will be required."

"Mom and Dad reminded us often that we were blessed with time, talents and treasure, and that it was expected that we use these well to glorify God and benefit others," she said.

You can join Patty in leaving a legacy of love and faith with a gift in your will or estate plan to the Idaho Catholic Foundation and Diocese of Boise. Contact Margaret Hampton at (208) 342-1311, ext. 5139 or mhampton@rcdb.org to learn more about how your giving makes an impact.