Claudia Mildred Jones

Claudia Mildred Jones, 83, of Ward, Arkansas, passed away on October 30, 2025, in Ward, Arkansas. She was born on July 26, 1942, to Frank Herbert Pole and Mildred Irene (Micksch) Pole.

On July 21, 1966, Claudia married the love of her life, Ronald Lester Jones, at Northwood Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida. She graduated from Florida Beauty Academy in 1961 and began her lifelong career as a cosmetologist—a profession she truly loved and practiced from the age of 18.

Over the years, Claudia also worked in various roles, including at AT&T, as an airline stewardess and later became the owner/operator with her husband Ronald Jones of the following, Jones Grocery Store in Glencoe, Arkansas, for thirteen years, Oak Tree Antiques in Hardy, Arkansas, for three years; the Catfish Farm in Koshkonong, Missouri, for five years; and the Alco Flea Market in Mountain Home for four years.

Claudia was a woman of many interests and great energy. She loved bluegrass and country gospel music, traveling to Branson shows, gardening, cooking, canning, yard sales, antiquing, and refinishing furniture. She also enjoyed trips to Tunica and Cherokee. Above all, she loved her family deeply—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by her son, Matthew Cullen Jones of Ward, Arkansas; two daughters, Stacey Lynn Jones of Ward, Arkansas, and Kelley Elizabeth Delargy of Arkansas; three grandchildren, Gabriella Lynn Bellou (Timothy Bellou), Dalton Wade Hurst, and Kylee Kaye Delargy; and five great-grandchildren, Eden Marie Bellou, Grace Jordan Bellou, Carter Lane Ray Bellou, Amelia Mae Hurst, and Timothy Ray Bellou, Jr. She is also survived by her sister, Maxine Pole Fitzgerald of Thayer, Missouri, along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Jones, and her parents, Frank and Mildred Pole.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Teresa Reed officiating. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.

Claudia will be remembered for her loving heart, her creative spirit, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.