Elvina M. (Updegraff) Jones

Elvina M. (Updegraff) Jones, 91, of New Cumberland, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Daughter of the late Gilbert Updegraff and Margaret (Taylor) Ruppert, she was born on November 17, 1928 in Newberry, York County.

The oldest of nine children, Elvina grew up in a setting much different than today’s time. She attended school in a one-room schoolhouse until eighth grade; at that time, her mother decided it would be best for her to discontinue her studies and stay at home to help manage the home and raise her eight younger siblings. She found comfort in the home setting and would be a great mother and homemaker throughout the upbringing of her own children. She was amazing in the kitchen – she made anything and everything from scratch, including root beer, and marshmallows. Her skills as a seamstress were also impressive, hand-crafting slacks, jackets and everything in between for her young children. After her kids were grown, she worked at Beman Manufacturing for a number of years. She kept busy with crocheting and wordsearches, and enjoyed caring for plants and flowers, both inside and outside her home.

Elvina is survived by her children, Marian A. (Jones) Reber (husband, Kenneth M.) of New Cumberland, Russell J. Jones Jr. of York Haven; and Doretha L. Woods (husband, Ronald) of New Cumberland, grandchildren, Woody Sipe Jr., Tim Sipe, Tamara Sipe, Brian Sipe, Richard Llewelyn, Ronald Woods Jr., Jennifer Woods (husband, Chris), Stacy M. (Talbert) White (husband, Gary), and Jessica (Jones) Brewer; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and two sisters. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Russell J. Jones Sr.; son, Elwood “Woody” Sipe; grandchildren, James “Jimmy” Clinton Talbert Jr. and Amanda Tonkin; and six siblings.

In addition to her family, she will be missed by all that have been lucky enough to have met her including many friends; the late Tiny, James, Cecelia, Barbara Ann, Sherrie, Sue, Rita and Pam.

Services are private, but memorial contributions are requested in Elvina’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association: Greater PA Chapter, 2595 Interstate Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110.