Ivalu Jones, 94, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023, at River Oaks Health Campus, in Princeton, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family.  She lived most of her life in rural Wabash County, Illinois.  Ivalu was born on October 16, 1928, in Lancaster, Illinois, the daughter of Claris and Grace (Dietrich) Cunningham.  She married William “Bill” Jones, and he preceded her in death on November 28, 2002.

Ivalu was a dedicated worker and homemaker for her family.  She worked beside her husband on the family farm and drove a school bus for Wabash District # 348.  She was an excellent cook and enjoyed it immensely, which led her and Bill to own and operate the Kozy Korner Cafe, in Lancaster, Illinois.  Ivalu had a God-given gift of hospitality and was a true encourager of others.  She loved to host dinners for Missionaries and Ministers.  Ivalu was a life-long member of Lancaster Church of Christ.  In her later years, she moved to Mount Carmel and attended Parkview Christian Church.  Ivalu was very caring, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Ivalu leaves behind her daughter, Patsy Williams; three grandchildren, AJ French, Abby (Chris) Leucke, Jim (Lauren) Russell; seven great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; several loved nieces and nephews.

Ivalu was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mildred Hunt; sons-in-law, Steven Williams, and Robert Russell.

A private family Graveside Service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023, at Cunningham Cemetery in rural Wabash County, IL, with Pastor Mike Knepper officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ivalu’s memory to Cunningham Cemetery.

Envelopes will be at the cemetery, or may be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Ivalu’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Jones family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com