Barbara Gipe Jones

Barbara Gipe Jones, 79, died Sept. 6, 2008, at Mount Graham Regional Medical Center due to complications from hip surgery. The family sincerely thanks the staff of the medical center for all of their care and efforts on her behalf.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Edward E. Jones; her parents, Clayton M. and Mary E. Gipe; and her sister, Kathleen (Betsy) Gipe. She is survived by her son, Dale Jones of Albuquerque, N.M.; her sister, Mary Ann Clark of Green Valley; niece Dianne Roberts of Sahaurita; nieces Doris Clark and Donna Kallal and nephew Walter Clark, all of Tucson; and longtime best friends Mike and Julie Gunnett and Melda Floyd, all of Safford. After Ed's death in 1992, Barbara became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Barbara was born March 27, 1929, in Ruby, a small mining town south of Tucson. She was the first Caucasian child born in Ruby. She was raised during harsh times and conditions and, like her parents and sisters, became smart, strong and independent. However, she was also a gentle, compassionate, caring and generous woman and was always considerate of others' situations and feelings.

Barbara married Ed on June 20, 1953, and in 1960, she, Ed and Dale moved to Safford. They soon took up residence at 400 W. Cuatro Cerros Road in Artesia, where Barbara lived until her death. Ed worked at the Federal Prison on Swift Trail, Dale attended Safford schools, and Barbara worked with Melda at Rogge's Meats in Safford.

Barbara loved maintaining her family and home, hunting for snakes and arrowheads, digging for old bottles, hiking and picnicking in the desert and on Mount Graham, raising numerous dogs and cats, and gardening. She could grow almost anything and acquired a passion for African violets. At one time, she sold African violets to one of the nurseries in Safford, and many of her violets have graced homes in the Valley. When you see an African violet, think of Barbara.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or HYPERLINK "mailto:donors@stjude.org" donors@stjude.org), the Shriners Hospitals for Children (2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or donorrelations@shrinernet.org) or the charity of your choice.