Ione Jones

Ione B. Jones, peacefully passed away on June 1, 2020 in the Grand Marais North Shore Care Center at the age of 102. She was born August 30, 1917 in Grand Marais, and started first grade in Grand Marais at the age of five. During her high school years, she played girls basketball and participated in plays, graduating from high school in 1934 at the age of 16.

Ione married John (Johnny) Toftey on October 17, 1936 in Duluth, and their son Jack was born June 10, 1937 in Duluth. Their second son Charles (Chuck) was born July 13, 1940 in Joliet, Illinois.

During their marriage, they lived and worked in several communities. Ione’s many jobs included baking at Mable’s Café, cooking and baking at Lutsen Resort, and serving as co-owner of Aspen Lodge on the Gunflint Trail.

Ione’s husband Johnny died on October 16, 1965 in an accidental drowning. After Johnny’s death, Ione attended the Minneapolis School of Business and worked as a bookkeeper at WDIO TV in Duluth. In 1977 she married Arnold Jones and lived in Tofte until his death in 1984.  She moved back to Grand Marais and worked in the Cook County Auditor’s office, eventually switching to Cook County Engineer’s office until retiring.

“Grandma Ione” was so loved by her children, grandchildren and her many friends. She was famous for her delicious cinnamon rolls, pies, and all the Norwegian goodies she made at Christmastime. Her Norwegian pancakes were a much-anticipated treat. Ione also shared much of her beautiful needlework with others. She was a dedicated fisherwoman, spending many hours on Clearwater Lake.

Ione was preceded in death by her husband, John Toftey; her second husband, Arnold Jones; her sister, Ethel, and her brother, Carl.

She is survived by her sons, Jack (Suzanne) Toftey, and Charles (Sunny Soderstrom) Toftey; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.