Karla Rae Jones, 80

Karla Rae Jones was a friend to all, especially children, youths and animals. Karla was born to Fred and Ethel Jones on Oct. 23, 1931, in Klamath Falls, Ore.

She passed away under Hospice care on Nov. 30, 2011, at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Before Montana, Karla’s life was lived primarily in northern California. She grew up in the Sacramento area and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at San Jose University. The lure of adventure and travel then took her to Germany where she taught for a number of years in the Department of Defense schools. This opportunity opened the door to traveling throughout Europe, which she enjoyed very much.

Eventually, she returned to the Bay area where she was employed as a teacher and an assistant principal in the Menlo Park schools. Again, she "hit the road," this time chaperoning numerous student trips across the United States. 

In 1977, Karla came to the Flathead Valley to visit friends and fell in love with Montana. Determined to make her home here, she opened a private counseling practice and built a geodesic dome home on Flathead Lake.

After three years, she returned to her chosen field of education as the principal of Cornelius Hedges Elementary School in Kalispell’s School District No. 5. There she was very instrumental in creating a school climate of mutual respect among adults and children. She also worked closely with individual children, their parents and staff. Toward the end of her public school tenure, she served as a guidance counselor at the then Kalispell Junior High School.

Karla was a member and good friend of Northridge Lutheran Church. She was also a very active member of the Kalispell community, particularly concerning matters for the youth. Karla served on many boards, including Flathead CARE, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, United Way, FVCDC, Peer Court and Restorative Justice Programs. She was an integral part of the organizing team for the Kids and Chemical workshops throughout the years. She was always available to those who might need her guiding wisdom and skills, even after retirement.

Karla loved the theater and appeared in many productions. In California and later in Bigfork, she was a cast member of many melodramas. She was a fine character actress. Her favorite part was the role of Ouiser in the Whitefish Theatre production of "Steel Magnolias." 

Karla’s final years were well spent at Prestige Assisted Living Facility in Kalispell and, as her health deteriorated, at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Although Karla was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, she is survived by many trusted colleagues and friends. These include, but are not limited to, Fran Beck in southern California, Char Appel of Lakeside, Nancy McConnell and Karla’s godchildren, David McConnell and Alex McCann, all of Seattle. She is also survived by her "Care Bears" — Nancy Robinson, Patti Ormiston, Carlo Halcro, Bev Braig, Cathy McDevitt, Kathy Rose, Kathleen Hayden, Kay Hopkins, Alison Schmaltz and Carla Heintz.

A gathering of friends will be held in the spring and will be announced at that time.

 Memorials in Karla’s honor may be sent to Flathead County Animal Shelter, 225 Cemetery Road, Kalispell; or to Flathead CARE, P.O. Box 370, Kalispell, where a scholarship fund to enable students to attend Kids' Camp is being established in Karla’s name.