Orem, Utah - Gwen Burgess Jones quietly passed away on October 4, 2011 in Orem, UT. She was, and still is, the beloved matriarch of her family. An example of singular love and devotion, she has patiently waited nearly 46 years to be reunited with her husband, Ralph, who preceded her in death. Born October 9, 1924, in Los Angeles, California, to Charles Leslie Burgess and Olive Edith McBride, she was the fourth of six children, with an older brother, two older sisters and two younger brothers. She married Ralph Edward Jones on January 12, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA, and was sealed to him in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 20, 1957. An avid gardener, her personal touch created a prized garden that included five children, three sons-in-law and two daughters-in-law: Leslie Hawkins (Ken) Earlsboro, OK; Loreen Barlow (Norm) Simi Valley, CA: Daniel Jones (Barbara), The Woodlands, TX; Janice Holley (Rand), Provo, UT, and Josh Jones (Jawan), Richmond, TX. Her "garden" has continued to blossom with her 26 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren. Her family has always been her most prized treasure and her greatest joy.
A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she found great joy in working with the children of the Primary, as well as the sisters in Relief Society and Young Women. She served a full-time temple mission in the Denver, Colorado and Washington, D.C. temples and also served as a temple worker in the St. George, Utah Temple. Constantly giving of herself to friends, family and strangers, she was happiest when she was in the service of others. Her true memorial is the impact she had for good of all those who met her.

An opportunity for family and friends to visit and share will be held Saturday, October 14, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service, at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1847 14 ^th Street, Santa Monica, California. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.