A Lifetime of Service: the Louise Kendig & Wilfred Denton Jones Story

In 2020, Greene Giving continued to grow with the addition of the Louise Kendig and Wilfred Denton Jones Family Endowment.

By using a Greene Giving Account, donors may direct grants to the charitable organizations of their choice including libraries, parks and schools, whether local or outside the region. Contributions are made into a Greene Giving Account, and are tax deductible on the date of deposit to the extent of the law. Grants through Greene Giving may be made at any time, upon the donors’ direction.

The Story of Louise Kendig and Wilfred Denton Jones

Louise and Wilfred were Greene County community members that dedicated their lives to serving others. Louise Kendig Jones worked at the now Xenia Community Schools and for the Greene County Regional Planning and Coordinating Commission. Wilfred Denton Jones served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps before working at the Jones Home Market, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and eventually AAA Miami Valley.

The Legacy of Louise Kendig Jones

Throughout Mrs. Jones’ life, she continued to be a shining example of community service and involvement. Through her various roles in our community, she truly embodied the spirit of Greene County. A full list of her involvements are listed in her obituary: “She was a member of the Kirkmont Presbyterian Church, the Aldora Chapter #262, O.E.S., was a trustee/secretary of the Beavercreek Popcorn Festival Committee, member of the Beavercreek Ambassadors Club and Chamber of Commerce, Beavercreek Women’s Republican Club, volunteer of Greene County Convention and Visitors Bureau, major contributor to Owens Place, former member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Beavercreek Historical Society.”

The Legacy of Wilfred Denton Jones

Mr. Jones was an active and inspirational member of our community. Throughout his life, his service to his community presented itself in various ways. Just a few notable examples include his service to his country in the US Army Air Force in World War ll, Past President of the Xenia Kiwanis Club, Past President of the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Greene County Veterans Service Commission, and much more. To read the full list of Mr. Jones’ accomplishments, you can read his obituary.

Establishing the Louise Kendig and Wilfred Denton Jones Family Endowment

A few years ago, Louise Kendig Jones gave $100,000.00 to Owen’s Place to help build an accessible treehouse at Owen’s Place. This Family Endowment was established after the passing of Mrs. Jones in 2020 with one goal in mind: to continually make Greene County a better place to live.

The Jones Family Endowment represents a memorial to Louise Kendig and Wilfred Denton Jones, their son, Frank Jones, and two sisters of Louise Kendig Jones, Jean King and Jane McVey.

When asked about Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Greene Giving President, Edward Marrinan said the following:

“The 1996 bestseller by Thomas Stanley and William Danko was The Millionaire Next Door. The book surprised many readers with their profile of millionaires in our country. The immediate thought is high profile spenders, but most millionaires in the United States actually are low profile savers who accumulated their wealth as a result of hard work and a modest lifestyle. The Millionaire Next Door says such people are more likely to drive a Dodge than a Mercedes and wear a Timex than a Rolex. Louise Kendig and Wilfred Denton Jones with their personal concept of philanthropy and volunteerism continue to represent The Millionaire Next Door.”

Plan Your Gift

Are you or someone you know interested in establishing a memorial account with Greene Giving? Visit our website to learn more.

February 18, 2026

Generosity Through Scholarships

Statistics show that more than 60% of college students rely on scholarships, and about 15% of those receive private scholarships. Someone calculated that 1.8 million private scholarships are awarded annually in the U.S. Establishing a scholarship is a great way to extend generosity and pay it forward.