Ernestine Mattie Jones

Ernestine (Nana) Shuler Jones, 94 of Darrington, Washington walked through the gates of Heaven on December 26, 2025. A devoted wife, loving mother, wonderful sister, and the best Nana in the world. She will be missed by many. She was born in Sylva, North Carolina on October 24, 1931, to parents William Lafayette and Ethel Shuler. The family moved to Darrington in 1947 where Ernestine attended Darrington High School, Class of 1949.

She married the love of her life, Grover Jones, that same year. They started their life together on the Sauk Prairie, raising their two children, son Roger, and daughter Bobbi. Ernestine’s love of family and music often brought family and friends together for large meals, always ending with everyone gathering around the piano singing until wee hours of morning. Her favorite music was gospel. In 1970, Grover and Ernestine moved into town and built the Darrington Trailer Court and Laundromat. The gatherings continued at their new home. This is where the future Darrington Bluegrass and Country Music Makers Association was born; Ernestine was one of the founding members. You could always find her at all the bluegrass festivals, usually in the T-shirt booth, selling shirts and CDs. She loved visiting old friends and meeting new ones while listening to good bluegrass music. In addition to her love of music, Ernestine was an avid Darrington Logger sports fan. She supported her children and grandchildren in every sport they played, always sitting in her and Grover’s favorite seats, at the top of the bleachers. All the kids going past would yell a hello and give a hug to Nan. She was their biggest fan.

Ernestine was also a devoted and active member of the Church of God of Prophecy. Her love for our Lord was strong and never wavered. She was proud to tell you she has read the Bible, from front to back, twice, and was working on her third time.

She is survived by her daughter Bobbi McLean (Rob Carlile) and daughter-in-law Shellie Jones. Her biggest joy in life was her grandchildren. They brought her so much love and happiness. Grandchildren, Tana (Morgan) Meehan, Tracie (Scott) Hoglund and Trevin Bradley. Great-grandchildren Lane Monteith (Cassidy Toscano), Kenadie and Mollie Hoglund, Porter Katanik, Connor and Carson Bradley, Kylie Suryan, and Ryker Stemme. Great-Great grandchildren Andrew Meehan and Genevieve August. Her beloved brother William Paul (Bonieta) Shuler, sister-in-law Georgine Shuler, and brother-in-law Duane Smith. Also, many loved and cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Ethel Shuler, husband Grover and son Roger. Siblings Agnes (Mac) Crawford, Girlean (Ed) Fox, Annie Sue (Ralph) Aldridge, James Weldon (Christine) Shuler, Blanton Gartrell Shuler, and Alice (Clark) Hathaway.

The family would like to thank Pastor Jim and Sister Vita Alexander for all their support, prayers, and amazing baked goods over the years. You have always been there for Ernestine and her family. You are greatly appreciated.

A very special thank you to Tana and Morgan Meehan for opening their home for Ernestine and everyone who provided the care and dignity that Ernestine so deserved.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Glad Tidings Assembly of God 1272 State Route 530 NE in Darrington, WA with burial to follow at the Darrington Cemetery. All are welcome to attend a luncheon at the Darrington Community Center Dining Hall immediately following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ernestine’s name to the Darrington Alumni Association (PO Box 1235) or to the Darrington Memorial Dinners (PO Box 263).