Phyllis Jean Jones died on March 9, 2023, after a long illness in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Mrs. Jones was born March 4, 1946, in Aberdeen, Washington to Edward “Ted” and Jean Gabbert. She grew up in Hoquiam and Central Park and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1964. She married the love of her life, Frank Jones, in 1965. She received her Associate of Arts from Grays Harbor College and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from St. Martin’s University. Later, she earned her Master of Arts degree in English from Seattle University.

Mrs. Jones started her teaching career at Ocosta School District where she taught third grade for two years and subsequently seven years Middle School English and Journalism, and one-year High School English and High School Journalism. She transferred to Hoquiam High School and taught for 15 years, which included teaching mostly Sophomore and Senior College Prep English and Journalism. She was also the advisor for the Grizzly Gazette for 15 years in which her students accumulated many state awards. As Chairman of the English Department for 10 years, she directed the curriculum for years to come. She retired after 25 years in education.

Phyllis loved teaching and her students immensely. She could make Shakespearean plays make sense and with her red pen could teach anyone to write. Besides teaching the subject matter, she emphasized courtesy to all. She loved when the Seniors would pull a prank on her each year as long as it was funny and non-hurtful. She was the first Foodball advisor for Hoquiam High School and she was very competitive in her nature. Of course, during her tenure, Hoquiam won the first 10 years of the competition and the tons of food gathered benefited the whole community. She always encouraged her students and was very proud of their accomplishments. Many of them returned to visit her after they went to college.

In retirement, Phyllis became the inveterate volunteer and omnipresent secretary/treasurer in many organizations. She devoted much energy to publications for Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society whose members are outstanding Women Educators. She enjoyed Monday Study Club and made many lifelong friends. She also volunteered for the Hoquiam Development Association for many years and received their Leadership Award in 2008. She wrote multiple grants for Hoquiam Parks and Recreation that focused on children and community enrichment programs.

She devoted her later years to her only granddaughter, Alexandra. She enjoyed watching her play sports and volunteered in her grade school library and reading program and created books for her Girl Scout Troop.

Surviving family members include her husband, Frank Jones; her daughter Angela Stearns and husband Doug of Lake Oswego, Oregon; her granddaughter Alexandra Stearns of Lake Oswego, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the Coleman Mortuary Chapel. Interment will follow at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net