Jone Orphanakis

November 4, 1940 - February 9, 2021

Together Again
 
Our precious mom passed away in her sleep with our dad’s loving arms reaching down from heaven to embrace her once again. She waited graciously and patiently for eleven and a half years for her most glorious reunion with her adoring “Mikey.”
 
Her dedication and love for her family never waivered even until the very end. She always helped us to understand what was right, just and fair. She was a woman of impeccable integrity. We will miss her advice and wisdom. She was a matriarch in the truest sense.
 
Jone was born on November 4, 1940 in Hiawatha, Utah to Dorotha Leonard and Maxwell Webster Littlejohn. After high school she moved to Salt Lake City where she met our dad, Mike Chris Orphanakis. They were married on June 21st, 1962. They have two daughters, Stephanie and Michele and, in her expert opinion, the four most beautiful grandchildren in the world. She always glowed with happiness in their presence.
 
Jone is survived by her daughters Stephanie (Jeff), and Michele (John); her grandchildren Cole (Jill) Orphanakis Myers, Luke Orphanakis Myers, Olivia Grace Orphanakis Ward and Sophia Elizabeth Orphanakis Ward; her adoring sister Patricia Colosimo (Dominic); her sweet nephew James R. (Noula) Lowe; brother-in-law James Orphanakis; niece Kelli; and great-nieces and nephew Mandee, Tiffany, Tyson (Carrie).
 
We truly feel blessed to have had such loving and supportive parents. They were devoted to their children and grandchildren. We will always treasure our times together. We will always carry a special place in our hearts for her. May her memory be eternal.
 
A private family Mass was celebrated under the direction of Father Andrzej Skrzypiec. Jone was laid to rest next to her loving husband. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please share your memories and photos with her family at www.starksfuneral.com.

 

In Loving Memory

Jone will forever hold the dearest place in my heart as I spent so many days of my youth in her home and had many family dinners with Jone and Mike as Stephanie’s friend. Jone was a great cook and fixed Mike’s dandelion greens just the way he liked them. She was indeed a special lady and I will always love her. Tom sends his love and condolences as well and remembers your sweet mom and dad. Love, Elizabeth and Tom Lignell

Elizabeth Lignell

Sandy, Ut

What a sweet Lady. She married a Gentleman and they had Sweet Daughters. Strong, Kind and Beautiful Women are what has always brought beauty to life for me. She will be missed. Stephanie and Michele, I love you Ladies very much and I'm and deeply sorry for your loss. She was and is a real Angel.

Steve Simsich

Bountiful, Ut

This is such a beautiful, thoughtful tribute to honor your precious mom, Michele. Everything is perfect. She was such a beautiful lady, at every age, and they were such a handsome couple. And, what an AMAZING family they created -- beautiful, brilliant children and grandchildren. Such a legacy! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days, weeks and months. We know it won't be easy, but hope you take some comfort in the love of your family and friends. We love you!

Heidi, Paul, Hailey and Alec Ward

GULF BREEZE, FL

Stephanie and Michele, I know I speak for the entire Leonard family by saying what a beautiful person your mother was and is. You were truly blessed being able to call her mom. I wish I could have been around Jone and Mike, more often. Everthing I ever heard and knew about them spoke volumes of their love for each other and you. Many rosaries will be said in their honor.

Sam Leonard

Sunnyside, UT

Such a beautiful tribute to your Mom and all your family. She was a very special lady. My Sympathy and Prayers are sent to all of you at this very sad time. May she Rest In Peace.

Margaret Colosimo

Price, UT

So sorry to hear about this lovely lady, always sitting on the front porch , stopping to talk to her while walking down the street, my mom going over there to talk and have coffee with your mom, those memories .

Diane M. Tallman

Salt Lake, UT

So sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. She was a beautiful lady and I always enjoyed visiting with her.

Patricia Gourdin

Murray, nan

Dear Michelle and family, I loved knowing Jone through P.E.O. Chapter S. She was a very kind and wonderful person. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.

Susan Ashley

Millcreek, UT

Stephanie, Cole and Luke-Our hearts go out to you all as you remember your wonderful mother and grandmother. We are thankful to hear she is with your grandfather once again even if through our earthly tears. Mary and Bob Gilchrist

Mary Gilchrist

Millcreek, UT

Stephanie and Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about your sweet mother. I have such wonderful memories of times spent with Jone. I have thought about her so much over the years. The two of you have always been so dear to me. Know that you are in my thoughts and in my heart. With love, Sharon Jameson

Sharon Jameson

Midvale, UT

Dear Stephanie and Family, While I didn't know your Mom personally, I could see her beauty and grace in you, as well as your fierce love for your sons - which I'm sure is a gift from Jone and Mikey as well. Please know I'm sending prayers and thoughts to you and your family. Much Love! Cindy

Cindy Formeller

Salt Lake City, UT

Michelle & Stephanie I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother, She was a beautiful lady as is her Daughters & Granddaughters. She passed on not only her beauty but her integrity. My Prayers to you & your families that you can take comfort in your loving memories of her. LOVE, Kenna Hurst

Kenna Hurst

Kearns, UT

Dear Stephanie and Family, Iwas so sorry to hear about JonI enjoyed being in P.E.O. with her. She was so pleasant and we shared some laughs together. I know she will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Donna

Donna Bachman

Salt Lake City, UT

I met Jone and Mike because they were across-the street neighbors of Nancye Dawes, a long-time friend of my aunt. They were kind neighbors to Nancye for decades, even when she was contrary. Mike shoveled the snow from her sidewalks for years and helped her with so many things in her home and yard. Jone had the key to Nancye's house in case of emergency and was a listening friend. Jone never judged Nancye, always showing charity and kindness even in the face of Nancye's thoughtlessness. Several years ago I wrote about Jone and Mike Orphanakis in our family history as great examples of what it means to be a charitable neighbor. I am so happy for them; that they are together again.

Esther Truitt Henrichsen

Salt Lake City, UT

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