Jacqueline Ruth Jones

Jacqueline “Jackie” Ruth Jones, 86, passed away on May 29, 2020, surrounded by family in her favorite place, her home on the shore of Grand Traverse Bay in Elk Rapids. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Roland “Ron” Jones, her beloved son Dale Jones and great-nephew Andrew Bussa.

Jackie, a lifelong resident of Michigan, was born on February 11, 1934 in Battle Creek to Jack and Ruth Greenwood. After attending boarding school, she graduated from Highland Park High School. She was a straight A scholar who studied at Highland Park Community College and pursued a degree in English at Eastern Michigan University.

Her beautiful journey as Ron’s wife began on December 17, 1955 when they married and started their family. It did not take long for her to discover that her true passion and purpose in life was to be a mother, homemaker and wife. Her favorite hobbies were reading, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitch. She was a master cruciverbalist who welcomed with zeal the challenge of the most difficult crossword puzzles. Her quick wit and sense of humor were enjoyed by all that knew her. Teaching others and sharing her vast knowledge came naturally as she found ways to firmly instill to her children an appreciation and respect for all humans, all cultures and all things in nature.

Jackie and Ron were true partners raising their children in Westland and later moved to Brighton. In the early years, summers and weekends were spent in bliss at The Cottage on Elk Lake. After Ron retired in 1988, they made Elk Rapids their permanent home. They partnered with dear friends Maryanne and Duane Jorgensen to purchase Torchport Airpark. Jackie helped organize and host many annual Fly-in Steak-outs and Breakfasts, raising funds to support the EAA, The Young Eagles and Torch Lake Township Fire Department.

Jackie is survived by her son David (Kathryn) Jones, daughters Lynne (Dale) Harbour and Tamara Jones, daughter-in-law Lainey Holms, sister in law Audrey Lau, niece Val Rozema and nephew John (Kathy) Lau.

She is grandma to Tony (Jessi) Jones, Jacquilyn (Carey Colliver) Williston, Mindy (Josh) Ellis, Jamie (Karli Hauser) Morrison, Dustin Jones, Kirsten (Bryan Snyder) Jones, Faun Ryan, Jamie (Rob) Hahn-Kratz, Falon Burke, Jadrian Jones, Heather (Joe) Johnson-Durocher and Eric Johnson. Her great-grandkids are Thea and Oliver Jones, Lela Williston, Ronny, Clarabelle, Rex and Cadence Campbell, Damien Ellis, Emery and Lila Rubert, Fulton Hahn, Quinten Burke, Dajel Babineau-Wildfong, Jaxton Griffith-Jones and Emma, Andrew and Alex Durocher.

A celebration of life will take place later this year. Memorial contributions may be sent to Munson Hospice at 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49686. Covell Funeral Home is serving the family.