Christine Jones

Christine Elaine Jones was born on a snowy Christmas Day, December 25, 1938, to Ralph Eugene and Pauline Mildred (Hardy) Smith on a farm near Woodbine, Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed her faith at Timothy Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs. Christine spent her childhood on several farms as her father worked for different farmers. She attended a variety of schools in Iowa near Woodbine, Malvern, and Ashland, Nebraska, Denison and Council Bluffs. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs with the Class of 1958.

At just 15 years old, Christine began working at Lester Tone Cleaners in Council Bluffs, pressing clothes. She also worked at World Radio Lab. On May 2, 1959, she was united in marriage to Duane Tech at Timothy Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs. Together, they were blessed with three children: Mark, Randy, and Teresa. The couple built a home on an acreage seven miles outside of Council Bluffs and Christine loved living in the country.

In 1971, while her children were in school, she worked at Beno’s Department Store appreciating the opportunity to have summers off with her children. Starting in 1976, she spent ten years as a teacher’s associate at a school in Council Bluffs, a role she found very fulfilling. She also enjoyed creating floral arrangements for Bloomers.

In 1990, Christine married Richard Alan Jones and moved to the Harlan area. It was then she discovered her true professional calling, working alongside Dick for 32 years at Pauley Jones Funeral Home. She found deep purpose in helping others and was known for her genuine nature and heartfelt empathy toward those who were grieving. Christine and Dick retired together after a meaningful career of service.

Christine was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan before returning to Council Bluffs after Dick’s passing to be closer to her children. She then became a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs. She was also active in PEO and the hospital auxiliary.

In her younger years, she received recognition from KRCB radio as “Working Girl of the Day” and enjoyed participating in a bowling league in Council Bluffs. She always made time for card club and visiting with friends wherever she lived. Christine loved country music, watching soap operas, and baking. She also took great pride in keeping her home clean and organized. A devoted animal lover, she always had a pet or two as part of the family. Above all, Christine cherished time spent with her loved ones and made every effort to create lasting memories with them.

Christine passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Prairie Gate Retirement Community in Councils Bluffs at the age of 86 years, five months, and 30 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard A. Jones on August 19, 2021; and siblings: Duane (Betty) Smith, Merle Smith, Lyle Smith, Neil Smith, Shirley Saar, Marlene Little and Stan Smith.

She is survived by her three children: Mark (Kathy) Tech of Council Bluffs, Randy (Mary) Tech of Council Bluffs, and Teresa Tech of Omaha, Nebraska; four grandchildren Austin (Kayla) Tech of Council Bluffs, Seth (Shelby) Tech of Council Bluffs, Kelsey (Chad) Durham of Glenwood, Haley Tech (Evin Wills) of Logan; four great-grandchildren: Harper, Ryker, Liam and Wyatt; siblings: Betty Moore of Brush Prairie, Washington and Lester (Shirley) Smith of Missouri Valley; brother-in-law, Otto Saar of Council Bluffs; many nieces and nephews; beloved pets: Walker, Mork and Mindy, Tux, Toby and Cricket; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, 633 Willow Avenue, Council Bluffs, 51501. Her burial will take place in the Hazel Dell Church Cemetery near Crescent. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Prairie Gate Retirement Community, St. Croix Hospice or Muddy Paws.