Ruth Myrtle Jones

Ruth Myrtle Jones, age 87, Holiday, Florida went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 11, 2016. Ruth was born in Glens Falls, New York February 12, 1929 to Rev. Jesse Russell and Zelda Duane Russell. She grew up in Long Lake, New York where she loved the outdoors and mountains.

Ruth graduated in 1947 from Kingston High School, Kingston, New York. That fall she enrolled in Houghton College, Houghton, New York where she majored in music. Her senior year she was named homecoming queen. She graduated in 1951 as the first woman of her extended family to receive a college degree.

While in college Ruth met her future husband Norman L. Jones. They were married July 4, 1951 in Franklinville, New York while Norm was on leave from the Marine Corps. On the 200th anniversary of the United States in 1976 Ruth and Norm celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary joking that the entire country was celebrating with them.

In 1951 while Norm was stationed in Quantico Ruth moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia where she taught 6th grade. Her husband was eventually deployed to Korea on the date of their first wedding anniversary. In 1953 Ruth and Norm returned to Buffalo, New York where they began raising a family together.

Ruth was known for her gracious hospitality, her infectious smile, her pride and love for her family and her angelic singing voice. In 1960 Ruth and Norm moved to Washington, DC where Ruth was a member of the National Choir performing for many dignitaries. She loved singing solos in church, Christian Woman’s Clubs, Youth for Christ events, and other ministries.

In 1970 Ruth and Norm moved to Burnsville, Minnesota. By then Ruth was the mother of five children including a special needs daughter named Linda who suffered severe brain damage and physical handicaps leading doctors to believe she had no chance of survival. Because of Ruth’s firm belief in God’s Word, the Holy Bible, she embraced the promises of God that there was hope and sufficient grace (II Corinthians 12:9) to care for Linda. Ruth’s faith in God, stubborn tenacity and mother’s love enabled her over time to teach Linda to do many things the doctors said were impossible including teaching her eventually how to feed herself, be potty-trained and walk. Linda celebrated her 56th birthday in 2016.

Five children left Ruth little time to record the album family and friends had encourage her to make, but finally in 1974 she recorded with the Minnesota Orchestra the album “I Will Serve Thee.” The title song was a testament to her commitment to love and serve her Lord Jesus and to encourage others to do the same. Ruth continued singing and playing the piano up until her passing.

Ruth’s family and friends were her greatest joy and Christmas was her favorite expression of that joy as it reminded her that the Son of God humbled Himself and entered the world to offer forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and eternal life. She prayed daily that her friends and extended family would embrace the true meaning of Christmas.

Ruth is survived by her five children David L. Jones and his wife Gayle, Stephen Jones, Linda Jones, Pamela DiPronio and her husband Frank, Cheryl Ennis and her husband Bill; and six grandchildren Kathryn Bredemeier, Jaclyn O’Connor, Marissa Dike, Selina DiPronio, Carder Jones and Tiffany Ennis; and four great grandchildren Xavier Bredemeier, Edelweiss Bredemeier, Maewynn O’Connor and Lorelei O’Connor. Ruth is also survived by brother Phil Russell and sisters Joyce Bozak and Gertrude Higgins. She was preceded in death by her husband Norman.

A memorial service celebrating Ruth’s amazing life will be held Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 10:45 am at First Baptist Church of Jasmine Lakes, 6835 Jasmine Blvd, Port Richey, Florida 34668. Memorial donations may be sent to HPH Hospice, 6807 Rowan Road, New Port Richey, FL 34653 or First Baptist Church of Jasmine Lakes.

Ruth’s internment was December 16, 2016 at Serenity Gardens in Largo, Florida where she was buried with her beloved husband Norman. The family wishes to thank all of Ruth’s friends for their expressions of love and offer special gratitude to those who cared for her following her massive stroke on December 6.