Viola Mae Jones

Viola Mae (Smith) Jones, age 96, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and mother-in-law passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. As she came to rest, angels welcomed her into heaven. A visitation and memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Benson City Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with arrangements. andersontebeest.com

Viola Mae Smith was born on August 8, 1929, in Benson, Minnesota, the first of four children born to Edna (Mae) Heschke and Leland Smith. She graduated from Benson High School in 1947. Vi met Edward Jones in St. Paul, Minnesota. They married and moved to Utah, where she gave birth to three sons: Rick, Tim, and Bryan. She later returned to Minnesota, settling in Pipestone, where she earned her State of Minnesota counseling certification. Vi accepted a counseling position at the Sauk Centre Correctional Facility, where she worked for 20 years before retiring in 1990.

Vi was a joyful person, full of vim and vigor, with a passion for embracing each new day. Her warm and affectionate personality made it easy for her to connect with others. After becoming an “empty nester,” she moved to St. Cloud to be closer to her grandchildren. At the young age of 81, she purchased her first home—a townhome near the YMCA—where she quickly discovered swimming and became a regular participant in water aerobics, a habit that contributed to her long and healthy life. Over the years, Vi enjoyed old-time dancing, reading, playing cards, garage sale adventures with her grandchildren, baking, watching westerns, winter trips to Florida, her love of Avon products, and, in recent years, audiobooks. Most of all, she treasured time spent with family and friends—especially her grandchildren. Vi was known for her generous spirit and her many hugs and kisses.

In her final three years, kidney failure required Vi to undergo dialysis. True to her nature, she faced this challenge with courage, grace, and determination. In the end, complications from pneumonia led to her passing.

Vi is survived by her children: Rick (Carol) Jones of Long Prairie and Tim (Judi) Jones of St. Cloud; grandchildren: Kristy (Rick) Barhorst, Katie (Nick, deceased) Huesman, Cody (Beth) Jones, Courtney (Jon Hogan, fiancé) Jones, and Ashley Jones; great-grandchildren ; Hallie, Derrick, Waylon, Julia, and Laila Sprinkel; and many nieces and nephews.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents; brothers LeRoy “Sonny” Smith and Larry Smith; sister Dorothy “Dottie” Smith; her son Bryan Jones; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and extended family members.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff at Fresenius Kidney Care, Home Instead for their compassionate senior care, and the St. Cloud Hospital nursing staff for their exceptional end-of-life care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Kidney Foundation or by planting a tree in Vi’s memory.