Claris Andersen Jones

Claris Andersen Jones passed away peacefully and returned to her heavenly home on May 28, 2026.

Claris was born on December 20, 1929, in Richmond, Utah, at the home of her grandmother, Merrill, to Varnell Anderson and Vermont Merrill Anderson. She was raised on her family’s farm in Arco, Idaho, alongside her three younger sisters, Ardeth, Renee, and Nola.

She attended school in Arco, except for her freshman year, when she lived with her Uncle Merrill in Idaho Falls and attended O.E. Beall Jr. High School. She graduated from Arco High School and later attended Ricks College, where she met her future husband, Earl Guy Jones.

Claris and Earl were married on December 15, 1948. They made their first home in Rigby, Idaho. Their first child, Sharie Marie, was born on February 15, 1950, but lived only a few minutes. The loss of their daughter brought great sorrow to their family.

In the summer of 1950, Earl was called to active duty with the National Guard and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. While there, their son Kurt was born. Because Claris did not enjoy the heat and humidity of Virginia, the family later returned to Idaho and settled once again in Rigby. There they welcomed three more children: Jan, Jeffrey, and Corey.

Claris and Earl spent most of their married life in Rigby, raising their family there, with the exception of one year in Walnut Creek, California, when Earl was transferred for work. Following Earl’s passing in 2006, Claris moved to Fairwinds in Idaho Falls, where she developed many cherished friendships and appreciated the outstanding care provided by the staff.

Claris was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She faithfully served in many callings, particularly in Primary and as a ward librarian. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Claris was an excellent cook and generously prepared countless meals for her family. Sewing was one of her greatest passions, and she lovingly made clothing for her children and grandchildren. She was also artistically gifted, creating beautifully painted figurines and watercolor artwork, bringing her creations to life through her remarkable use of color and technique.

Claris was preceded in death by her parents, Varnell and Vermont Anderson; her husband, Earl Guy Jones; her sisters, Ardeth, Renee, and Nola; and her daughter, Sharie Marie.

She is survived by her children: Kurt (Kris) Jones; Jan (Carl) Shippen; Jeffrey (Angie) Jones; and Cory (Carolyn) Jones; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on June 3 at Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby, Idaho, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Graveside services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.