Clara J. Jones

Clara Jane Jones, 97, of Danville, passed away peacefully residing at Vintage Knolls on March 4 2026.

She was born on January 23, 1929 to Florence (Smith) Reisenweaver and Wilbur Wilson Reisenweaver in Drums. She was the youngest of four children, Marie (Biscomb), Wilber (Nick) Reisenweaver and Irene (Heidrich).

She graduated from Hazleton High School in 1946, and became a Registered Nurse after graduating from Hazleton General Nursing School in 1949.

Early in her career, she became a psychiatric nurse at Philadelphia State Hospital (Byberry). She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education from Misericordia University while working as a Psychiatric Nurse and later as an Instructor at Danville State Hospital where she worked until retirement in 1986. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing.

Despite her rewarding career, her proudest achievement was raising her family alongside her husband, Robert E. Jones, whom she married in 1950. Together they had two children, Robert (Bobby) G. Jones and Lori A. Jones (Judy), two grandchildren Joshua Jones (Melanie) & Zachary Jones (Jennifer) and two great grandchildren Carlie and Zoe Jones.

The home that Clara and Bob built through their own labor and know-how, became home to three generations of Jones’. She’d proudly recount mixing required batches of mortar, and coming home from work to thread each piece of piping, as Bob skillfully laid every block of their 5 unit, 2-story apartment house. Bit by bit they artfully crafted their own home, while also thinking of others. They constructed 4 more apartments that would house friends, relatives, and strangers that would become friends, for the next seven decades. Their home is the foundation that supported others, but more than a structure it became the gathering place--a place to come home to.

Clara’s quick wit, mischievous glint in her eye, and endless offers to make something to eat for her visitors, created a gravitational pull toward her that made her home the stage for limitless memories. Her famous macaroni salad and Christmas Eve festivities in the basement recreation room were outshined only by her steadfast support of her family. Always present for sporting events, graduations, birthday parties, and countless moments big and small.

She was a devoted member of Shiloh United Church of Christ in Danville for over 70 years.

She enjoyed many years of traveling with Bob in their motorhome after retirement, and was proud to proclaim that they had visited all 50 states. She was fearless behind the wheel of the 32-footer, even driving all the way to Alaska to visit Lori at her home in Anchorage. She was an avid bowler at Danville’s Midway Lanes until the age of 90.

 She enjoyed puzzles, reading, and trips to the casino. A Phillies Phanatic to the core, she knew every player and attended games at each stadium –Connie Mack, Veterans Stadium, and Citizens Bank Park.

She was preceded in death by her son Bobby in 2000 and husband Bob in 2009. Surviving in addition to her daughter, grand and great grand-children are many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on March 21st at 11:00 at Shiloh United Church of Christ 512 Bloom St., Danville, with her pastor, Rev. Mary B. Schmotzer. A private interment will follow. The family welcomes attendees to congregate in the Fellowship Hall at Shiloh after the service for a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shiloh United Church of Christ or the Danville Food Bank, both located at 512 Bloom St. Danville, PA 17821.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Roat-Kriner Funeral Home, 1133 Bloom Rd., Danville.