Areta Jonas

Areta Jonas passed away peacefully on December 7, 2022 at the age of 95. She was born in 1926 in Wheelright, Kentucky to Howard and Hattie Gillum. She was the oldest daughter with seven siblings. Areta lived in Kentucky until she moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1944 where she met her beloved husband of 62 years, Jack, and started her family and career. She lived in Columbus until 2014 when she moved to Louisville, Kentucky to live closer to her daughter, Trasee. Areta and Jack enjoyed many happy years together raising their daughter, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and cheering for The Ohio State Buckeyes. They made many lifelong friends who became family. Areta was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandmom, and friend. She was a mentor to many. Areta was a member at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Powell, Ohio and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Louisville. She loved her family unconditionally and devoted herself to ensure their happiness until her last day on Earth. Areta was employed at F&R Lazarus and Company for 42 years. She started as a sales audit clerk and promoted to executive roles she held for the majority of her career. She especially enjoyed being on the systems team that fully automated all of Lazarus’ sales and corporate operations. Being inducted into the Lazarus 20 and 40 Year Clubs was a point of pride for her. Areta was preceded in death by her husband Jack J. Jonas, parents Hattie and Howard Gillum, and brothers Willard, Edgar, Carl and James Gillum. She is survived by her daughter Trasee Whitaker, son-in-law Fess Whitaker, beloved grandson Layne Whitaker, sisters Juanita G. Keaton, Dora Elizabeth (Libby) Hutchinson and Hazel Frances Ross, dearest friends, Karen and James Hart, and numerous nieces, nephews and their families whom she adored. A graveside service will be held in the spring followed by a celebration of life event. Owen Funeral Home - Jeffersontown entrusted with arrangements. Areta lived at Masonic Homes Kentucky since 2018 where she received love and excellent care. Memorials may be sent to the Masonic Homes Kentucky 330 Masonic Homes Drive, Masonic Home, KY 40041 or online at https://www.masonichomesky.com/giving/

Areta Jonas

December 15, 1926 - December 7, 2022