The County Has Lost A Wonderful Lady, Marion T. Jones of Webster

This seems to be a year in which so many people we know have passed away.   I received news last Friday morning that Marion T. Jones of Webster had passed away earlier that day.  I was in shock as I have known Marion for so many years and had no idea she was ill.  I honored her in late October at the Holiday Inn during the NH State Grange Convention Banquet with the first Grange Founders Award.   Marion lived in Webster but she was a very active person.  She could be found volunteering at the Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen.  She worked for many years for the NH Department of Agriculture in Concord.  She lived for many years in Salisbury before living in Webster with her husband Paul, who had died many years ago.  She had three sons, David, Allan, and Richard, who were so good to her.   I don't think she would ever say no to anyone that asked her for help.  She belonged to the Webster Congregational Church where she played organ for services.  She held membership in the Webster Women's Union and held an office along with working on their projects in town.   She was best known for her role in Daniel Webster Grange in Webster where she could be found baking beans or ham, making cole slaw or pies for their public suppers.  She and her good friend Dorothy Haskins would work together on these events.   She would make dozens and I mean dozens of doughnuts for the church booth at the Hopkinton Fair.   She could be found at the fairgrounds working in the booth.  She was an active member of the Merrimack County Pomona Grange where she served as Lecturer, Master, and Pianist among other offices.  She served the NH State Grange extremely well.  She held the offices of State Flora, Lady Assistant Steward, Lecturer, Executive Committee, member of the State Youth Committee, and editor for the Granite State Granger for many years.   She loved the youth and working with them at any level.  Many times, she would be the only older adult at a state function possibly playing the piano or lending support for degree work.  You could always count on Marion being there.   Marion would assemble of Grange members and travel to all parts of the state to install officers for the new year.   Time was of no concern to Marion.  If you needed her, she would be there.   I can remember the Nativity figurines in the Creche at the State House Plaza were in tough need of cleaning.  She offered to take them all home, clean them, repair them as needed, and bring them back in time to be placed in the stable for the Tree Lighting.  Marion was that kind of person.   Even though she was 94 when she left us for Heaven, she was still a big influence in our daily lives.     The Memorial Service will be Sunday, Dec. 1 at Webster Congregational Church at 2:30 p.m.   She asked that I coordinate the Grange Memorial Service which will be a part of the funeral along giving an eulogy.   I am so honored to do this for such a wonderful woman and friend.  She is going to be so missed by so many.   Marion T. Jones of Webster is going to be hard to replace.  You just don't replace a person who gave so much of herself.