Hilda Mae Jones

Hilda Mae (Poston) Jones arrived safely in Jesus’s arms on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Hilda was born on January 31, 1942, in Des Arc, Missouri, to William and Goldie (Dillingham) Poston. Before middle school, she moved with her family to Hammond, Indiana, where she remained through her high school graduation. While working at a drive-in restaurant, she met the love of her life, Claude “Dusty” Jones, who had just returned home from Navy basic training. Soon after, they were married. Following Claude’s discharge from the service, they settled in Dyer, Indiana, where together they raised five daughters. In the early years of their marriage, Hilda worked as a nurse’s aide at Dyer Hospital before accepting a position at Community Hospital when it opened in 1973. She faithfully served there for the next 25 years until her retirement. In 1979, Hilda and Claude built the family home where they remained for the rest of their lives in DeMotte, Indiana. Hilda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Claude “Dusty” Jones; her parents, William and Goldie Poston; her daughter, Patricia Ruth; sons-in-law Bartholomew Nwachukwu and Terrance Kaluf; five brothers, Melvin, Alvin, Tony, Eugene, and William Poston; and six sisters, Louise, Mary Jane, Rosie Bell, Neva, Eva Lou, and Joyce. She is survived by her four daughters: Connie Jones, Kimberly Valandingham (Daniel), Tonya Nwachukwu, and Pamela Miller; son-in-law Robert Ruth; 11 grandchildren: John Yaney, Rob Ruth, Rachel Ruth, Andrew Kaluf, Lindsay Ryno, Miranda Kelly, Jordan Valandingham, Ryan Ruth, Hannah Priest, Rebecca Laughlin, and Dillon Miller; as well as 20 great-grandchildren. Family & friends may visit at Jackson Funeral Service of DeMotte on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Joseph Kenning officiating. Burial will follow at the DeMotte Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jodie Bennett of Safe Guard Joy Home Care, who faithfully cared for Hilda and Claude over the past two years. Jodie, we could not have done it without you. We also wish to thank the nurses and aides from St. Franciscan Hospice for the comfort and compassion they provided to our sweet mother and our family.

Hilda Mae Jones

January 31, 1942 - May 26, 2026