Winnie Jo Jons was born on October 15, 1937 in Platte, SD, and passed away in Burke, SD on April 4, 2015. She graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1956. She then married Marvin Jons on September 22, 1956, and they were blessed with 10 children. At the time of her passing, she also had 16 living grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Winnie Jo spent 44 years devoted to her work with South Dakota Community Action, in Rural Office of Community Services (ROCS). She began her career with the agency as a Homemaker, spent several years working for the Office of Aging, and advanced to become the Transportation Director. In her role as Director, she developed and administered successful public transportation programs in 22 counties, among other accomplishments. At the time of her retirement, as a result of her caring dedication to helping those in need, Governor Dennis Daugaard declared December 29, 2012 as, "Winnie Jo Jons Day".

She loved spending time with her family, and especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed many things in life before and after her retirement. Winnie Jo often enjoyed having dinner with her lady friends, known as the "Bonesteel Mafia". One of her favorite past times was watching HGTV. Winnie Jo also had a life-long passion for her community and spent many hours visiting and helping others.

Winnie Jo was preceded in death by her husband Marvin Jons in 1993, her parents Maxine and Orvold Bentson, her sister Connie Obermire, her mother and father-in-law Harold and Ida Jons, her brother-in-law Max Williams, her granddaughter Danika Jons, and the special friend of the family Laura Veal. She is survived by children Kelly (Shelly) Jons of Bonesteel, Kerry Jons of Bonesteel, Kevin Jons of Sioux Falls, Kent (Mykel Ann) Jons of Lincoln NE, Kristi (Dale) Deffenbaugh of Lincoln NE, Kara (JP) Kirwan of Bonesteel, Kathy (Trevor) Johnson of Harrisburg, Kory (Michelle) Jons of Sioux Falls, Kiley (Kassi Ham) Jons of Bozeman MT, and Kasey (Ember Dale) Jons of Parkston. Her surviving grandchildren include Josh (Abby Lou) Bruner; Tanner Jons; Ellie and Lidia Jons; Brandon (Jodi) Deffenbaugh, Brooke (Matt) Mullen, and Beau (Courtney Duff) Deffenbaugh; Kayla Jo (Matt Pavek), Kayci, KayDee, and JD Kirwan; Olivia, Gracen, and Garrett Johnson; Adalynn Dale and Alex Jons. Her great grandchildren include Leighton and Briggs Deffenbaugh, and Frankie Lou Bruner. She is also survived by her brother, Ronnie (Phyllis) Bentson of Bonesteel, SD.

Her memory will be cherished by all of her family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Bonesteel, SD. Burial will be in the Rosebud Cemetery, Bonesteel. There will be a prayer service on Tuesday at 7:00 PM at the church. Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, and will also be held one hour prior to funeral service on Wednesday, at the Church.