By Kristine Thomas
Jane Jones said her husband didn’t think she would act so quickly.
But then again, Ron Jones should have known better and shouldn’t be surprised at what Jane does especially since they have known each other since high school.
Jane Jones merely mentioned she was considering joining the Silverton Rotary Club when the next thing Ron knew she had been to a meeting and was starting the paperwork.
Laughing, Jane said she still has to go through a process to be accepted to the civic group.
“They may not accept me,” she said, rather seriously.
That’s highly unlikely.
Described as compassionate with a heart of gold and a go-getter by her friends, she’s the kind of volunteer any civics organization would be proud to have as a member.
For her dedication to Silverton through her volunteer work with Silverton Health, Silverton Area Community Aid, Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Willamette Valley Leadership Council, the Oregon Garden Foundation and other organizations, Jane will receive Silverton’s First Citizen award at the Silverton First Citizen Banquet.
Humble and gracious with a warm and welcoming smile, Jane said she couldn’t do what she does without the support of her husband and some amazing friends who are right beside her volunteering.
Darby Hector is one of her many friends who helped organize the summer benefit for SACA the last few years. Hector also knows she can count on Jane to help out whenever she needs her – including taking inventory at the end of the school year or with other projects at Mark Twain Middle School.
Since moving to Silverton more than 10 years ago, Hector said Jane has become a “key community member.”
“She gives from the heart – her time, energy and friendship have touched many. She embraces service and works tirelessly for Silverton,” Hector said. “Jane is one of the most kind and caring people you will ever know.”
Angela Adcock said she is blessed to call Jane her friend.
“Jane Jones is one of the most giving people I know,” Adcock said.
Having worked with Jane on many committees, Adcock said she knows she can always count on her to help out in any way asked, “never expecting anything in return.”
When Jane fell and broke her hip last December, Adcock said Jane “even called me from her hospital bed concerned about how our chamber Christmas ornaments were selling. Now that’s dedication.”
On a personal level, Adcock said Jane has offered her help in ways she could never repay.
“Her love for Silverton shines through and we are lucky to have her,” Adcock said.
Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Stacy Palmer describes Jane as a “tremendous lady who is a ball of energy who has a great commitment to Silverton.”
“I know when I ask Jane to do something that she will get it done and get it done well and it will have a positive outcome,” Palmer said. “She’s dedicated to whatever task she is doing. When she says she will help, she’s there 100 percent.”
Although she is quiet, Palmer said Jane is also tenacious and competitive. Whether she is selling raffle tickets or ornaments, she’s bound to sell the most, Palmer said.
For Jane, volunteering is just something she does and has done since she was a student at North Salem High School and Oregon State University and continued from there.
“I have always been involved, part of it is because of the social aspect of it and part of it is knowing you are helping a cause, an organization or people,” Jane said. “I like being active.”
On a her kitchen counter was a card from her son, Brian Benson. Inside he wrote, “Congratulations mom. Really proud of you. You have always been a wonderful role model in so many different ways.”
Benson shared a quote from Muhammad Ali that reads, “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you haven’t really learned anything.”
“You have the art of friendship mastered mom and everyone sees that and your big heart. Love you so much, Brian,” he wrote.
Ron Jones said his wife’s dedication is not only to her community but to her family. He thinks her inspiration to volunteer comes from both her grandmother and mother.
And he likes to joke that she likes to stay busy and when it comes to volunteering, she will work for chocolate.
On Dec. 6, Jane was taking something out to her recycle bin when she fell and broke her left hip. It took her close to two hours to crawl back to her house and call for help. She had to have surgery, confessing it wasn’t easy to slow down, especially during the holidays. The accident made her realize, she said, how true it is that the more you give, the more you get back. She received phone calls, cards and notes from people she would have never expected asking if they could help her in one way or another.
“It’s really true that you get back in life what you give,” she said.
SACA Director Teresa Warriner appreciates everything Jane has done for the nonprofit food bank. The event last summer raised more than $70,000. Jane has handed out Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets and collected food.
“I just love Jane,” Warriner said. “She has a heart to help the needy. She’s humble and doesn’t like a lot of recognition. Any time we need anything we can rely on Jane to help. She’s just there to lend a hand to everybody. She truly has the community spirit of giving back.:Silverton is blessed to have her.”
