Evelyn Asp Jones' Obituary
Evelyn Asp Jones
March 30, 1930 to January 1, 2023
Evelyn Asp Jones passed away peacefully at her home on January 1, 2023. She was
92 years old.
Evelyn was the daughter of Edward V. Asp and Esther Mattson Asp. She was born
and raised in Turlock, CA. Evelyn’s older brother was Arnold Asp and her older
sister was, Nancy Asp Root.
As a young girl, Evelyn developed a love for the outdoors, after having accompanied
her father on many camping trips and fishing trips in the foothills and the Sierra
Nevada mountains. She also spent time with her father at his garage where she
learned how to care for a vehicle and change a tire when needed.
Evelyn graduated from Turlock High School, Modesto Junior College and the
University of California at Berkeley with a degree in history.
Evelyn was married to Harold Jones in 1955. Together, they had two children,
Stephen Jones and Stuart Jones. The family settled in San Mateo, CA in 1957.
Evelyn and Harold were married for 63 years until Harold’s death on November 14,
2018.
Shortly after college, Evelyn went to work for Wells Fargo Bank in the San
Francisco the trust department. But banking and trusts were not Evelyn’s calling.
Rather, she wanted to become a teacher.
Evelyn obtained her teaching credential in 1955 and taught 7th grade history with the
San Lorenzo School District for more than 35 years. Evelyn’s classroom was a
place of wonder and adventure, where young minds learned about the past, so that
they could plan for the future.
Evelyn was a pioneer in the 1950’s working world. She worked full-time as a
teacher when most women her age stayed at home to raise a family. Day-care did
not exist in those days. No matter. Every morning, Evelyn packed her two sons into
her car, and together they commuted from San Mateo to the East Bay where the boys
attended local schools while Evelyn taught to her classes. Then in the afternoon, the
three of them would commute back to San Mateo.
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Evelyn and Harold Jones both retired in their late 50’s. Together they travelled as
often as possible. Evelyn’s favorite trips were to Alaska, Scandinavia and
Washington, D.C.
Evelyn was an avid gardener. For many years, Evelyn cultivated orchids in her
greenhouse. She also tended to her roses, rhododendrons, camelias, tulips and
daffodils. Age did not dampen Evelyn’s gardening and she could be seen tending to
her yard, well into her nineties. Evelyn’s favorites plants were roses and orchids.
A private family service was held at Skylawn Cemetery on January 24, 2023. Gifts
in lieu of flowers may be sent to the following charities: Point Lobos Foundation;
Yosemite Conservancy and the Sierra Club.
What’s your fondest memory of Evelyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Evelyn?
Share a story where Evelyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Evelyn you’ll never forget.
How did Evelyn make you smile?
