Eminent Homemaker
County: Hand
Edith Jones, Brandt is a dedicated community leader who understands the needs of Deuel County people. She has devoted much effort in their behalf. Her willingness to work and learn with extension home economics and 4-H programs has been prompted by the philosophy that “extension is education and homemaking is living.”
Edith Tranter, born in England, came to Hand County at the age of three. She grew up in that area and, after attending Miller High School, enrolled in Black Hills Teachers College. She then taught at a rural school in Hand County.
A few years later Edith married Lloyd Jones. The couple eventually settled on a Deuel County farm in 1930.
Jones was already active in extension club activities when she was asked to become a leader for a girls 4-H Club. She was completely unfamiliar with 4-H activities, but willingness to learn and a desire to serve the community prompted her to accept. Twenty-five years later Jones was honored by the Deuel County community for outstanding performance as a club and community leader. Her all-girls club was later reorganized to include boys. That club has turned out seven Club Congress trip winners, five of whom became national winners in the 4-H program.
Jones has worked as chairman for her local club and for the district. In 1965, she became vice president of the State-wide Organization. In 1966 she was named to the Deuel County Extension Board.
Jones interest in government grew from her desire to stimulate women’s interests in politics and in political issues. For the last 10 years, she has served on her political party’s State Central committee and for six years she has been the party county vice chairman.
The Jones have four daughters; Phyllis (Robert) Ewing, Jr., is a registered nurse and lives in Spokane, Washington; Joyce (Palmer) Mundahl, resides in North Mankato, Minnesota and Helen (Charles) Tritz, who lives in Mazeppa, Minnesota, attended business college; and Avis (Russell) Hardie, who makes her home in Clear Lake is a graduate of SDSU.