Vatia Jones

Vatia Jones
Manti, UT

Ora Vatia Jones, 83, of Manti, UT, passed away January 22, 2022 at her home in Manti. Vatia was born in Elmo, Utah on January 14, 1939, to Herman and Eva Oviatt. She was born in her grandfather’s home where her father was also born. She grew up in Wellington and Carbonville where she enjoyed softball and attending dances. She graduated from Carbon High School and received an Associate’s Degree at Carbon College.

It was in Price, Utah where she met the love of her life, Wayne Jones whom she married in the Manti Temple in 1960. They started their family in Salt Lake City and later moved to Mesa, AZ where they raised 4 children. They lived there for 34 years before moving to Manti, Utah in 2000. They were married in this life for 62 years.

She spent her life devoted to loving and serving her family. Forty-seven of those years were devoted to caring for her physically disabled son, Scott. Her tireless service was not only limited to his physical care but also to teaching awareness of those with disabilities and advocating for Scott's needs and opportunities in education and beyond.

She spent 20 years as the local neighborhood Avon lady where she received annual recognition as a top sales person in the district, all while riding her bicycle and being paid to visit her friends and neighbors.

She loved camping and spending summers in the white mountains of Arizona, and endless nights and weekends at softball fields all over the country.

She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many church callings which included Cub scout leader for many years, Primary president, Relief Society president and a lifelong member of the activities committee.

Vatia spent literally thousands of hours quilting. Her children spent a large part of their childhood playing beneath a quilting frame and many friendships were made around those same quilting frames.

After moving to Manti, she began quilting for the Manti area humanitarian service project. Over the last 20 years she made thousands of quilts that were sent to area hospitals, care centers, and women's shelters. Her quilts were also sent overseas and to Mexico.

Vatia loved decorating her home for all the holidays. But she went all out for Christmas. She collected over 200 nativities, and for the last 17 years, she opened her home to the public who came from far and wide to see and feel the true meaning of Christmas.

Vatia is survived by her husband, Wayne Jones, her children: Susan (Mark) Thompson, Richard (Francie) Jones, Gerri (Rich) Keiser; siblings: Deola Kimball, Retha Llewelyn, Ted (Bonnie) Oviatt, Annette (Craig) Niebuhr, Roger (Vickie) Oviatt; as well as her 11 grandchildren: Brittnee (James), Austin, Rhendon (Saren), Hayden (Charlotte), Devaraux, Quade, Taylor (Colten), Shelbe, Noah, Sawyer, Jessi; and 8 great-grandchildren, all of which she loved, and enjoyed every minute she was able to spend with them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved son Scott.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Manti 6th Ward Chapel, 555 East Union St.  Viewings will be held on Friday, January 28, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and also prior to services on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

Online guestbook and live streaming of the services can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Vatia's obituary.
NOTE: streaming is LIVE only and can only be watched during the service time listed