Arthena Jones

Stanfordville, NY - Arthena Jones, 69, passed away suddenly at home on Friday, July 9, 2010.

She was born on September 10, 1940 at her parent's home in Stanfordville, NY. She is the devoted daughter of Evalena M. (Thurst) Kemp Hardisty of Stanfordville, NY and the late Newton B. Kemp, Sr. She also was predeceased by her stepfather, Chester Hardisty.

Arthena is survived by her loving husband and soul mate, Robert Jones of Stanfordville, NY. In anticipation of their July 17, 2010 fiftieth wedding anniversary they celebrated with a trip of a lifetime this May by spending ten days in Paris, followed by three days in London, and a return trip home aboard the Queen Mary II during which they renewed their wedding vows.

She is also survived by a daughter, Dr. Sherri L. Owitz and her husband Peter A. Owitz of East Hampton, CT. in June, Sherri and Peter honored their parent's Golden Anniversary by hosting a celebration with family members. Her husband, Bob, their daughter, Sherri Lynn, and son-in-law, Peter were the loves of her life. The suddenness of her loss leaves them with unimaginable heartache.

Arthena is also survived by a brother, Newton B. Kemp Jr. of Stanfordville, NY a sister, Kathleen E. Calabrese of Valatie, NY; her Godson, Daniel J. Calabrese of MA; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many wonderful life-long friends.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Althea in 1961.

After graduation from Pine Plains High School in 1959, Arthena was the fountain manager at Woolworths in Poughkeepsie. She then went on to work at the Marine Midland Bank until she started a family. In later years she worked with her dear friend Helen Hall Thorpe at a family business. Arthena retired in 2004 from George T. Whalen Insurance in Millbrook, NY where she was a bookkeeper.

Arthena loved and adored her log home which she, her husband Bob and daughter Sherri helped to build. She enjoyed all of the wildlife that comes around their property. She loved to feed the wild turkeys (two of whom she names - Tom and Peanuts) the birds, squirrels and even the crows.

She was known for her beautiful spirit. She loved to send greeting cards to friends and family and knew everyone's birthday and anniversary by heart. People often knew of her arrival by hearing her distinctive laugh before actually seeing her. Athena enjoyed serving her church and community. She was a former Deaconess and Youth Group Leader at the United Church of Christ. Presently she is the President of the Forever Young Club and Second Vice President of the Stanford Lion's Club.

There are no calling hours.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, July 24, from the United Church of Christ in Stanfordville, with Rev. Chris Boyd and interim Pastor Rhoda Starzyk will co-officiate. A luncheon will follow the service at the Church Sunday School building.

Interment will be conducted privately.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are request to the United Church of Christ Stanfordville, NY 12581.

Arrangements by the Peck & Peck Funeral Home South Main St. Pine Plains, NY 12567.

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