Rosalie N. "Rosie" Jones

Rosalie Norene (Rosie) Jones, 68, of Springfield, died March 2, 2017, surrounded by family at home following a two-year battle with esophageal cancer. Rosalie was born on January 18, 1949 in Fullerton, Calif., the daughter of Clarence William and Mary Florence (Cleary) Jones. They preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were a sister, Marianna and a brother, Raymond Bernard "Bernie" Jones. The family returned to Springfield in 1954 and Rosie called it home until her death. She graduated from Cathedral Grade School, attended Sacred Heart Academy, and graduated from Springfield High School. Rosie found joy in serving and helping others, and spent the better part of 40 years working in the hospitality industry, first with Days Inn and most recently at the State House Inn in the shadow of the State Capitol. She was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and during her life was, alongside her mother, an active volunteer for the parish and diocesan Councils of Catholic Women, Springfield Right to Life, the Illinois Federation for Right to Life, and the National Right to Life Committee. Rosie is survived by two sons, Jim (wife, Lindsey) Ducey of Rockford and Derrick Jones of Washington, D.C.; two brothers, Donald G. Jones (wife, Nieves) of Puebla, Mexico and Robert W. Jones (wife, Lynda) of Sherman; sister-in-law, Kathy Jones of Fond du Lac, Wis.; eight nieces and nephews, their spouses and partners; nine great-nieces and nephews; six aunts and uncles; dozens of Cleary and Jones cousins; and a host of dear friends. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street. The gathering will begin with a prayer service. Concelebrated Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola and Rev. Braden Maher, celebrants. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: National Right to Life, 512 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004.